ABSTRACT

 Parasitological and physicochemical assessment of Aham River in Obowo, Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria was carried to determine the presence and prevalence of parasites of human health importance. The study was carried out between May and July 2018 using three randomly selected stations of the stream. The water samples were analyzed selected for physico-chemical parameters; dissolved oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand, temperature, total dissolved solids, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulphate, Electrical conductivity and pH using standard methods. Parasitological analysis was also carried out using standard methods. Some of the physicochemical parameters evaluated showed signs of pollution stress attributable to anthropogenic activities recorded in the study stations. A total of twenty-four waterborne parasites of human health importance were recorded giving overall prevalence of 11.43%. The individual prevalence of the parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (41.7%)/ Taenia saginata (25%), Giardia intestinalis (20.8%) and hookworm (12.5%). The prevalence in relation to the sampling Stations are Station 1 (20.8%), Station 2 (45.8%) and Station 3 (33.3%). The prevalence in relation to sampling period did not show any trend or significant difference. The study showed that the parasites were common and prevalence was determined by the anthropogenic activities going on around the river as well as the unsanitary attitude of people who defecate near the water sources. Traditional practice of demarcating and reserving part of rivers for different purposes to prevent misuse should be adopted to prevent contaminations.