Bacteriological And Physicochemical Qualities Of Waterside River In Aba:- Nwosu, Nnenna H

ABSTRACT

 Water used for drinking, domestic activities and industrial production of food and food-related products should not contain bacterial pathogen and chemical hazards. Drinking of water contaminated by bacterial pathogens and chemicals could lead to waterborne diseases and even death. A total of IO water samples from Waterside River were collected and examined. The result of bacteriological analysis showed that all the samples collected were contaminated by bacterial pathogens. Total Heterotrophic Bacteria Count (THBC), ranged from 2.16x I 0 3 to l.27x I 0 6 (CFU/ml), Total Coliform Count (TCC), ranged from 2.8x 10? to 3.1 x I 0 6 (CFU/ml) while Salmonella-Shigella Count (SSC), ranged from 6.7x 10° to 5.1 x 10 (CFU/ml). The result of physicochemical analysis; colour-clear, pH-6.2. Temperature-JO, Turbidity-0.07. Dissolved Oxygen-4.93, Biochemical Oxygen Demand-2.44, Chemical Oxygen Demand-3.0 I. Calcium3.50. Zinc- 1,02. Copper-0.03 and Potassium-2.56. The result of physicochemical analysis was compared with World Health Organization standard. The percentage occurence of bacterial isolates: Escherichia coli (100%), Salmonella spp (100%). and Staphylococcus aureus (100%). were Isolated from all the samples. These were followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (90%). Shigella spp. (80%) and Proteus spp. (50%). The result shows that consuming water from Waterside river, Aba and using it for domestic or industrial activities may expose the public to huge risks such as waterborne diseases. It is crucial to properly treat water from Waterside river before use to prevent public health problems or even death