Assessment of Mycological Quality of Groundwater in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the mycological quality of groundwater in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Triplicate water samples were obtained from 8 locations in the metropolis, and the fungi quality analyzed following standard microbiological procedures. Results showed that total fungi density ranged from 5.2±1.00 x102 to 8.50±0.56 x103 CFU/ml. Analysis of variance indicates statistical variation (p=0.001) across locations with total fungi density exceeding the limit of 102 CFU/ml specified by World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization for potable water in 62.50% of samples. Eight fungi isolates (species) were identified in the study with frequency across the locations as follows: Aspergillus flavus (20.59%), Aspergillus fumigatus (20.59%), Aspergillus niger (20.59%), Cladosporum (5.88%), Fusarium (2.94%), Mucor (8.82%), Penicilium (14.71%) and Rhizopus (5.88%). Of these, Aspergillus species were predominant across the locations. Since groundwater meets diverse purposes, it is essential that it is suitable for the desired use, and this can be done using appropriate technology to make groundwater potable for human consumption.