Spatial and seasonal distribution of microorganisms in water bodies, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature and play significant roles in human culture and health. They are often distributed in water bodies. Thus, the spatial and seasonal distribution of microorganisms in water bodies (ground, surface and well water) in Port Harcourt, South-south Nigeria was investigated during the rainy and dry season of 2022. Three (3) sample locations were identified (Abuloma, Borikiri and Eagle Island) and different sources vis-à-vis ground (borehole), surface water (river) and hand dug well-water were collected from the locations. Samples were collected in 10mL sterile container, placed in an ice-packed cooler and were transported to the laboratory for microbial analysis. Morphologically isolated colonies obtained from different plates marked on nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, m-HPC agar plate, Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salts Agar (TCBS), and Erosin Methyl Blue (EMB) agar to purify was effectively carried out. Result among others revealed increase in total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) in ground water exercised an explicit relationship with the increase in surface water except that of the hand-dug wells across sample locations during the dry and wet seasons. These increases could possibly give rise to more harmful organisms in the water bodies. More so, there could be possible Salmonellosis infection among vulnerable children who are unavoidably disposed to consuming such salmonella-contaminated water resources accidentally due to its increased concentration. Dysentery, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramp among others may be common among water utilizers from the study area because of the presence of shigella that causes shigellosis. The bioavailability of various microorganisms like vibrio, shigella and salmonella and their increases in concentration could possibly be linked with poor water sanitation, sewage and solid waste management. This may becatalyzed by derelict regulation enforcement agency or dearth of officers to put to practice the needed regulation, and in addition the paucity of education and awareness campaign on the citizenry as it relates to their actions and inactions (activities) on water bodies. Thus, all consumable water should be treated before ingestion is facilitated and relevant agencies should step up action plan to ameliorate these deficiencies within the study zone in a bid to ensure and maintain water safety and therefore, good health.