Evaluation of the bacteriological quality of underground well water in Oyi local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20234105Keywords:
Bacteria, Gastrointestinal abnormalities, Underground well, Water quality, Water treatmentAbstract
Background: Water is indispensable for man’s existence on earth. In urban and predominantly rural communities in Nigeria, with over 85% of the population living below an average income, traditional drinking water sources such as open reservoirs, springs and open wells are still being used. The study assessed the bacteriological qualities of underground well water in Oyi L.G.A of Anambra State.
Methods: Water samples collected by random sampling from various wells in the selected thirteen (13) wards of the study area were subjected to bacteriological analysis using standard methods. The bacteriological analysis examined differential and presumptive coliform counts. Confirmatory coliform tests were carried out using a loopful of presumptive positive and negative tests already sub-cultured on MacConkey agar plate and incubated at 37 0c for 24 hours to obtain bacterial isolates.
Results: Escherichia coli was the most frequently occurring isolate of all the bacteria identified. Other isolates include Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp., Enterococcus spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp. and Bacillus spp. The majority of these organisms are Gram-negative microorganisms which are most times implicated in gastrointestinal abnormalities.
Conclusions: There is a high incidence of contamination of well waters by pathogenic organisms in most well waters from the Study area. Underground well water sources to be utilized for domestic purposes such as cooking should be treated or disinfected before use, either by boiling and filtration or by chemical sterilization or a combination of both.
Metrics
References
Okonkwo TJN, Okorie O, Okonkwo CJO. Public health risk status of the water supply frame work at Kwame Nkrumah (Postgraduate) Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Environ. Afr J Environ Sci Technol. 2011;5(7):522-9.
Mbaenyi-Nwaoha IE, Egbuche NI. Microbiological evaluation of sachet water and street vendored yoghurt and “Zobo” drinks sold in Nsukka Metropolis. Int J Biol Chem Sci. 2012;6(4):1703-17.
Peter-Ikechukwu A, Omeire GC, Okafor DC, Eluchie C, Odimegwu NE, Nze SN, et al. Assessment of the quality of borehole water sample in federal housing estate and sites and services areas of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Food Sci Qual Manag. 2015;42(1):5-12.
Adhikary PP, Chadrasekharan H, Chadkraborty D, Kanibe K. Assessment of groundwater pollution in west Delhi, India using geostatistical approach. Environmental Monitoring Assessment. 2010;167(1-4):599-613.
Nogueira G, Nakamura CV, Tognim MCB, Abreu Filho BA, Dias Filho BP. Microbiological quality of drinking water of urban and rural communities, Brazil. Revista de Saude Publica. 2003;37(2):232-6.
World Health Organization. Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality. 1st Addendum to 3rd Edition Vol 1 Recommendations, 2006. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9241546743. Accessed on 26 November 2023.
Ngwa NR, Chrysanthus N. Bacteriological analysis of well water sources in the Bambui student residential area. J Water Res Protect. 2013;5(11):1013-7.
Okonko IO, Ogunjobi AA, Adejoye AD, Ogunnusi TA, Olasogba MC. Comparative studies and microbial risk assessment of different water samples used for processing frozen seafood in Ijoraolopa, Lagos State Nigeria. Afr J Biotech. 2008;7(16):2902-7.
Hughes JM, Koplan JP. Saving lives through global safe water. J Emerg Infect Dis. 2005;11(10):1636-7.
Agbabiaka TO, Sule IO. Bacteriological assessment of selected borehole water samples in ilorin metropolis. Int J Appl Biol Res. 2011;2(2):31-7.
Gambo JB, James Y, Yakubu MB. Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis of well water at crescent road Poly Quarters, Kaduna. Int J Eng Sci. 2015;4(11):11-7.
Adejuwon JO, Mbuk CJ. Quality of underground water. J Geol Min Res. 2011;3(5):161-8.
Adeyemi O, Oloyede OB, Oladiji, AT. Physico-Chemical and Microbial Characteristics of Leachate Contaminated Groundwater. A J Biochem. 2007;2(5):343-8.
Ajagu KC, Ajiwe VIE. Physicochemical assessment of water from selected wells in enugu south local government area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Int J Pure Appl Biosci. 2017;5(1):1-10.
Rajesh B, Rattan L. Essential of Medical Microbiology: Microbiology and Immunology. 4th ed. India: Brothers Medical Publishers; 2004:516.
Onwughara IN, Nnorom IC, Kanno OC. Issues of roadside disposal habit of municipal solid waste, environmental impacts and implementation of sound management practices in developing Country, Nigeria. Int J Environm Sci Develop. 2010;1(5):409-17.
Yassin MM, Abu Amr SS, Al-Najar HM. Assessment of microbiological water quality and its relation to human health in Gaza Governorate, Gaza Strip. Public Health. 2006;120(12):1177-87.
Chatterjee SN, Das D, Roy M, Banerjee S, Dey P, Bhattacharya T. Bacteriological examination of drinking water in Burdwan India Concerning Coliforms. Afr J Biotechnol. 2007;6(22):2601-2.
Anyanwu CU, Okoli EN. Evaluation of the bacteriological and physicochemical quality of water supplies in Nsukka, Southeast, Nigeria. Afr J Biotechnol. 2012;11(48):10868-73.
John AO, Anarah SE, Sani M. GIS-based assessment of smallholder farmers’ perception of climate change impacts and their adaptation strategies for maize production in Anambra State, Nigeria. In the book: Corn-Production and Human Health in Changing Climate; 2018:25.
Chukwuma, OU, Uchenna, OM, Ogonna, US, Chinedu, OS. The effects of effluents’ discharge from some paint industries on soil’s physicochemical properties and bioattenuation of polluted soil. Ind Domest Waste Manag. 2022;2(2):46-60.
APHA (American Public Health Association). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. 18th Edition, American Public Health Association (APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF), Washington DC, 1992. Available at: https://www.scirp.org/(S(351 jmbntvnsjt1aadkposzje))/reference/ReferencesPapers.aspx?ReferenceID=1818549. Accessed on 26 November 2023.
Agu KC, Orji MU, Onuorah SC, Egurefa SO, Anaukwu CG, Okafor UC, et al. Influence of solid waste dumps leachate on bacteriological and heavy metals contamination of groundwater in Awka. Am J Life Sci Res. 2014;2(4):450-7.
Lukubye B, Andama M. Physico-chemical quality of selected drinking water sources in Mbarara municipality, Uganda. J Water Res Protect. 2017;9:707-22.
Nwidu LL, Obeh B, Okoriye T, Vaikosen NA. Assessment of water quality and prevalence of water-borne diseases in Amassoma, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Afr J Biotechnol. 2008;7(17):2993-7.
Waites MJ, Morgan NL, Rockey JS, Higton G. Industrial microbiology: an introduction. London: Blackwell Publisher, School of Applied Science, South Bank University, London, UK; 2008:302.
Kuta FA. Antifungal effects of calotropis procera stem bank extract against Trichoplyton gypseun and Epiderinoplyton Flocosum. Afr J Biotechnol. 2008;7(13):2116-8.
World Health Organization. Guidelines for drinking-water quality [electronic resource]: incorporating 1st and 2nd addenda, Vol.1, recommendations, 3rd ed., 2008. Available at: https://iris.who.int/ handle/10665/204411. Accessed June 4, 2019.
Lechevalier MW, Cawthon CD, and Lee RG. Factors promoting survival of bacteria in chlorinated water supplies. Appl Environm Microbiol. 1987;88:649-554.
Okafor UC, Ezeanochie PE, Obubu M. Microbial assessment of some selected fish ponds in Awka, Anambra State: comparative study and modelling. Agri Biolog Sci J. 2020;6(2):91-9.
