Evaluation of Water Contamination and Its Health Implications on the Residents of Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research detailed on the Evaluation of Water contamination and its Health Implications on the Residents of Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. The recorded health implications caused by contaminated water enlightened the importance to discuss the measures to improve accessibility to safe drinking water, by employing outstanding measures to ensure proper sanitation service within the environ and personal hygiene behavior, which are significant to preventing infections. A total of 200 water samples collected from the inhabitants were examined for Cryptosporidiosis. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS (statistical package for social Science) Version 20.0 based on significance contamination level (P > 0.05). Out of the total respondents 10.00% were below 10 yrs, 21.00% were between 11 to 20 yrs, 16.00% were between 21-30 yrs, 17.00% were between 31-40 yrs, 10.00% were between 41-50yrs, 20.00% were between 51-60 yrs while 6.00% were between 61-70yrs. 66.00% were male while 34.00% were female. About 29.00% of the respondents depend on borehole, 25.00% on Lake/river/stream, and 16.00% on rainwater while 29.00% depends on table/sachet water. The result showed a Prevalence of 56(14.00%) for Salmonellosis and 36 (8.00%) for Crystosporidiosis with a 12 (3.0%) co-infection rate of Salmonellosis and Crystosporidiosis from water. In terms of distribution with regard to towns, Umueje had the most prevalence of 6 (30.00%) for Salmonellosis and 6 (50.00%) for Cryptosporidiosis while Umumbo, Igbakwu and Ifite had the least 2 (10.00 %) for Salmonellosis and 0.00% for Cryptosporidiosis. Age specific prevalence showed that Cryptosporidium parasite was highest in 11-20 yrs 6 (14.28 %) while Salmonellosis infection was highest in age group 21-30 Years 8 (25.00%). People with diarrhea 12 (46.15%) are household who depends on Well water 6 (50.00%), lake/river/stream 16 (32.00 %) and borehole for drinking water 10 (17.24%). The study recommends that water from various sources should be investigated and treated before use and all sources of water should be improved to prevent Salmonellosis and Crystosporidiosis infections.