ABSTRACT
An
investigative study was carried out to determine the bacteriological qualities
of borehole water samples in halls of residence in the University of Benin,
Ugbowo Benin City. A total of five water samples were collected from the the
various halls of residence in the school. Bacteriological analysis was carried
out using standard methods. The total bacterial count was determined by pour
plate technique and total coliform determined. Eight genera of bacteria which
include Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp. and Alcaligenes
spp. were isolated from the water samples. Total bacterial count in water
samples ranged from 0 to 32 x 102 cfu/ml. The total coliform count
of the borehole waters analyzed ranged from 0 to 39 MPN index of coliform/50
ml. It was concluded that not all tank waters are safe for consumption and
proper measures should be taken in cleaning and treating our water tanks
regularly.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Water
is indispensable and intricately connected to life, without which there is no
life. This is the reason for which water must be given the necessary attention
at all times. Good drinking water is not a luxury; it is one of the most
essential amenities of life itself. The supply of safe drinking water to all has
therefore engaged the attention of many individuals, groups, governmental
organizations and private organizations. (Adetunde et al. 2010).
Drinking water free of pathogenic organisms is
fundamental to breaking one of the principal transmission routes of infectious
disease. This fact has stimulated worldwide investment in the construction of
water systems that are designed to meet stringent water quality standards.
(Trevett, 2004).
Waterborne pathogens, including a variety of
viral, bacterial, algal and protozoan agents, account for much of the estimated
4 billion cases and 2.5 million deaths from endemic diarrheal disease each
year. (Kosek et al. 2003).
Increase in human population has exerted an
enormous pressure on the provision of safe drinking water, especially in
developing countries (Umeh et al. 2005). Unsafe water is a global public health
threat, placing persons at risk for a host of diarrheal and other disease as
well as chemical intoxication (Hughes et al. 2005). Unsanitary water
particularly has devastating effects on young children in developing world.
Each year, more than 2 million persons, mostly children less than 5 years of age,
die of diarrheal disease (Kosek et al. 2003; Parashar et al. 2003).
Nearly 90% of diarrheal-related deaths have
been attributed to unsafe or inadequate-water supplies and sanitation
conditions affecting a large part of the world’s population (Hughes et al.
2005; WHO 2004). An estimated 2.6 billion persons lack access to adequate sanitation
(Okonko et al. 2008).
The
University of Benin, Benin City, has 5 main halls of residence (halls 1, 2, 3,
4 and 5). There are also various staff quarters in the school: Junior Staff
Quarter, Senior Staff Quarter, Dentistry Quarter and Doctor’s Quarter. These
halls depend on borehole water stored in overhead tanks for their water supply.
1.1 AIM OF THE STUDY:
This study is aimed at the bacteriological
analysis of the water from these tanks.
1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
1. To
attain the total bacterial count of the water samples.
2. To
determine the coliform counts (Most Probable Number) of the water samples.
3. To
determine the species of bacteria present in the water.