Bacteriological and Physiochemical Analysis of Water from River Ethiope, Abraka.

Abstract

Water is a free gift of nature which is important to plants, animals and humans. The aim of this research is to assess the quality of water samples obtained from River Ethiope in Abraka. Water samples were analyzed for physiochemical properties as well as for the presence of bacteria. Physiochemical analyses showed a pH range of 7.40-7.70, dissolved oxygen (DO) of 3.8 – 5.0mg/L, temperature ( 0 C) 29.0 -30.0, alkalinity (mg/L) 1.26-1.40. Total bacterial counts ranged from 2.0 x 10 6 – 1.7 x 10 7 bacteria/ ml of water sample. Laboratory investigations showed the presence of E. coli, S. aureus, Bacillus sp, S. epidermidis, Actinomyces and Enterobacter sp. The
result of this research shows that water from River Ethiope met WHO standard for some physiochemical parameters but has a low amount of dissolved oxygen. Bacillus sp are the commonest bacteria isolated from water. The presence of gram-positive bacteria such as S. aureus, S. epidermidis and Actinomyces indicate bathing and other human activities which are carried out in the water, since they are normal human flora. However, the presence of E. coli and Enterobacter sp indicate recent faecal contamination. Most of the bacteria isolated are associated with food poisoning. The people of Abraka should be educated on the need to avoid defaecating
in the river and water from River Ethiope would need to be treated before human consumption to avoid the spread of infection.