Microbiological quality assessment of groundwater sources in Amansea, Awka North, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses the bacterial contamination of water from selected wells and boreholes, focusing on total microbial load, total coliform counts, and the prevalence of specific bacterial species. A total of eight water samples were analyzed, revealing microbial load counts ranging from 1.5 × 10³ CFU/ml to 5.2 × 10³ CFU/ml in well water and 1.4 × 10³ CFU/ml to 4.3 × 10³ CFU/ml in borehole water. Mean microbial loads were significantly higher in well water (3175±761.99 CFU/ml) than in borehole water (2525±642.1 CFU/ml), but no significant difference existed between the two sources (F=0.4255, P=0.5384). Total coliform counts also exceeded safe limits, with means of 1500±501.66 CFU/ml for well water and 1175±676.23 CFU/ml for borehole water. Biochemical identification revealed four bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent, found in 75% of samples, while E. coli was detected in only 25% of samples. This study highlights the significant levels of microbial contamination in both water sources and underscores the need for regular monitoring and management efforts to ensure water quality and public health safety.