Escherichia coli and metals status of hand-dug wells and a river in oproama community, rivers state, Nigeria

Abstract

Escherichia coli and metal status of hand-dug wells and a river in Oproama Community were investigated for both dry and wet seasons employing standard laboratory procedures. Escherichia coli recorded the highest values of 3.32x102 cfu/ml (log10 2.5211) and 3.40x102 cfu/ml (log10 2.5314) for wet and dry seasons respectively. Lead had highest values of 0.318 ppm and 0.27 ppm for wet and dry seasons respectively, copper had highest values of 0.03ppm and 0.019 ppm for wet and dry seasons respectively, zinc had highest values of 0.068 ppm and 0.03 ppm for wet and dry seasons respectively, cadmium had highest values of 0.030 ppm and 0.04 ppm for wet and dry season respectively, nickel had highest values of 0.165 ppm and 2.021 ppm for wet and dry season while mercury had highest value of <0.15 ppm for both wet and dry season. Escherichia coli counts which exceed the standard for both drinking and recreational waters pose a potential health hazard to the consumers although, the metal values were within acceptable limits, yet consumer education is highly recommended.