Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Qualities of Borehole Water Sources in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the Physicochemical and Bacteriological qualities of borehole water sources in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Twenty (20) boreholes were used for the study and a total of sixty (60) water samples were collected for bacteriological analyses. All the Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ using Horiba Water Checker (Model-10). Heterotrophic Plate Count, Most Probable Number technique and Eijkman test were used for the enumeration, isolation and identification of bacteria. All analyses for Physicochemical parameters were within the acceptable limits (pH: 6.3 to 7.7; Temperature: 27 to 30; Turbidity: 0.61 to 2.01). Bacteriological quality was higher than the World Health Organisation standard recommended limits. The detection of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus and Klebsiella species in the borehole water sources that are intended for human consumption could cause one to think that water from those sources may lead to severe health risks to consumers. Hence, it is not suitable for direct human consumption without treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that onsite treatment intervention be mobilised in order to protect residents of Gokana LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria from further possible consequences of using the borehole water sources.