Abstract
This study evaluated the bacteriological quality of groundwater from Imiringi in Ogbia Local government area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Groundwater samples were obtained in triplicates from four locations in the study area and analyzed for the bacteria quality using standard protocols. Results showed that the microbial density ranged from 2.97 – 6.03 x 104 cfu/ml (for total heterotrophic bacteria counts), 4.17 – 5.43 x 102 cfu/ml (for Enterobacteriaceae bacteria counts) and 0.00 – 1.48 x 102 cfu/ml (for Salmonella-Shigella counts). Statistically, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) across the various locations for each of the parameters. The density observed were higher than the allowable limit of 1.0 x 102 cfu/ml for drinking water as recommended by World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization, and maximum permissible level of 10cfu/ml for total coliform as specified by Standard Organization of Nigeria. The prevalence of bacteria isolated in the water samples were Aeromonas species (8.00%), Citrobacter species (7.50%), Escherichiacoli (20.75%), Klebsiella species (5.50%), Pseudomonas species (12.00%), Salmonella species (2.25%), Shigella species (3.25%) and Staphylococcus species (40.75%). From the bacteria density and diversity, the water is not potable. Some of the bacterial found are of public health importance. Hence, there is a need to adequately treat the water using chlorination and boiling techniques before drinking.
Highlights
Microorganisms are ubiquitous and they are found everywhere including the human body and environmental components
In Locations A, B, C and D, the microbial density were ranged from 2.97±0.88 x 104 cfu/ml, 3.93±1.34 x 104 cfu/ml, 6.03±1.13 x 104 cfu/ml and 3.73±0.61 x 104 cfu/ml, respectively (Figure 1), 4.17 x 102 cfu/ ml, 4.77±1.32 x 102 cfu/ml, 4.33±0.09 x 102 cfu/ml and 5.43±0.37 x 102 cfu/ml (Figure 2) and 0.00±0.00cfu/ml, 0.00±0.00cfu/ ml, 1.48±0.93 x 102 cfu/ml and 0.85±0.44 x 102 cfu/ml, respectively (Figure 3)
The bacteria density in this study is higher than the World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization allowable limit of 1.0 x 102 cfu/ml in drinking water [1, 10 – 12] and Standard Organization of Nigeria maximum permissible level of 10 cfu/ml for total coliform in potable water [1, 13]
Summary
Microorganisms are ubiquitous and they are found everywhere including the human body and environmental components (such as air, soil, water and sediments). Many microbes are harmful while some others are beneficial to humans. Many diseases that have caused a pandemic in human history were caused by microbes. Some of the disease-causing microorganisms are closely associated with humans and other warm -blooded animals such as mammals and birds. These pathogens are transmitted from one organism to another by direct contact, ingestion of contaminated food and water among others. Some of them tend to produce toxins which could cause diseases within a few days to weeks on exposure
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