Abstract
A two-year study was carried out from June 2009 to May 2011 to investigate the microbial quality of the Mezam river system in Bamenda and its health impact, given the prevalence of waterborne diseases among the population who use the river water for various purposes, notably domestic and agricultural activities. River, spring and tap water samples were collected monthly and analysed quantitatively for faecal bacteria indicators of pollution and qualitatively for specific pathogens. The study shows that most of the sites were heavily polluted with faecal bacteria (12 to 2822 cfu/100 ml) that consistently exceeded the WHO recommended range for potability. These bacteria often comprised the pathogens Salmonella and Shigella which seemed to be endemic. They all tended to be highest in the dry season and at the onset of the rainy season. The incidence of waterborne diseases showed a seasonal pattern similar to the seasonality of the causative agents in water samples. The most impaired segments were the Ayaba and Mughed tributaries which receive inputs from urban and domestic activities, as well as the Nkimefeu tributary which receives direct waste discharge from the dressing of carcasses at the town slaughter house. The population which is dependent on the river water are thus exposed to health risks which could be reduced by minimizing the discharge of both liquid and solid wastes into water channels. Key words: Faecal bacteria, market gardening, pathogens, river pollution, wastewater.
Highlights
Surface water plays an important role in the transmission of pathogenic agents discharged through human and animal faeces
The microbial survey carried out on water samples from the Mezam river system showed that apart from tap water, all the sites sampled contained all the indicator bacteria analysed, and each exceeded the WHO (2001) recommended limits for potable water (Table 2). They were dominated by coliforms and Clostridium spores
Further analysis of the coliforms revealed the presence of faecal coliforms in all the samples
Summary
Surface water plays an important role in the transmission of pathogenic agents discharged through human and animal faeces These agents may find their way into the water via domestic wastewater, surface runoff from agricultural land and pastures during rainfall, or by direct deposition of faecal matter with access to stream channels (Eyles et al, 2003; Collins et al, 2005). The Mezam river sub-basin in Bamenda, West Cameroon, harbours a growing urban community that relies on the Mezam river for household chores, irrigation of market gardens and as a source for public watersupply (Tita et al, 2012) It serves as recreational swimming pool for small children from nearby homes and schools. The increasing demand on this water resource and the resultant contamination from human activities generate a number of pollution problems increasing the risk of outbreaks from waterborne diseases. Katte et al (2003) and Kuitcha et al (2010) have illustrated that serious public health problems prevail in Dschang and Yaoundé (Cameroon), respectively, due to the biological pollution of wells, backwaters and rivers resulting from poor domestic and industrial waste management
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
