ABSTRACT

In this study, water samples were collected and analyzed for physiochemical and microbiological evaluation of pollution in Imo River, Imo State, Nigeria. This was geared towards evaluating the microbiological contaminants of the river. The microbiological analysis and physicochemical parameters were studied in July, 2015 using three sample collected at weekly intervals for five weeks. The technique used was spread plate method in which the samples were diluted and a small aliquot (0.1ml) was transferred to an agar plate and distributed evenly over the surface by a special streaking technique. The water pH was found to range from 6.61 to 7.31 and with a mean temperature range of 26.01 to 28.110C other physicochemical parameters monitored including, dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen turbidity, colour, salinity, conductivity, total acidity and some heavy metals. Heterotrophic bacteria isolated include Escherchia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus faecalis, and Salmonella spp. On the first and the fifth day, large number of colonies was developed (92 colonies) while the least number of colonies was developed on the second day (34 colonies). The antibiotic discs were used to ascertain the various antibiotic that can be used for therapeutic purpose. The observation shows that the Imo River is not safe for drinking without treatment according to the WHO international standard for drinking water.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables viii

List of Figures ix

Abstract x

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Justification of the Study 2

1.2 Objective of the Study 3

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 4

2.1 Surface Water 6

2.2 Microbiological Analysis of Water 7

2.3 Indicator Organism 8

2.3.1 Vibrio Cholerae 8

2.3.2 Escherichia coli 9

2.3.3 Salmonella typhi 10

2.4 Fecal Streptococci 10

2.5 Enterobacter Aerogenes 11

2.6 Analytical Methods for Microbiological Water Quality Testing 11

2.7 Cultivation Techniques 11

2.8 Evaluation of the Method for Enumerating Coliforms 12

2.9 Standard Plate Count 13

2.10 Physical Properties of Water 14

2.11 Chemical Properties of Water 15

2.12 Physicochemical Properties of Water 17

2.13 Hardness of Water 18

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods 19

3.1 Area of Study 19

3.2 Sample Collection 19

3.3 Preparation of Culture Media 19

3.3.1 Nutrient Agar 19

3.3.2 MacConkey Agar 20

3.3.3 Potato Dextrose Agar 20

3. 4 Inoculations 20

3.5 Incubation 20

3.6 Purification 21

3.7 Identification and Characteristics of Isolates 21

3.7.1 Cultural Examination 21

3.7.2 Microscopic Examination 21

3.7.3 Gram Staining 21

3.7.4 Biochemical Test 22

3.8 Method for the Physico-Chemical Analysis of Water 24

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results 28

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation 34

5.1 Discussion 34

5.2 Conclusion 36

5.3 Recommendation 36

References