BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER IN RESIDENTIAL STORAGE TANKS LOCATED WITHIN CALABAR METROPOLIS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The use of unsafe water supplies and microbial contaminated, water may pose serious health challenges to users. The aim of the study was to determine the level of bacterial contamination of the various water sources and the suitability for human consumption in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 25 water samples were obtained from Calabar Metropolis i.e. Marian, Ekpo Abasi, Abasi-obori, New Airport, and Yellow Duke. 25 water samples were obtained from the storage tanks and analyzed for the presence of bacteria. The level of fecal coliform count, total coliform count and heterotrophic bacterial count was analyzed using standard culture method on a differential and selective media. The sample were cultured on MacConkey and nutrient agar. Serial dilution was carried out and dilution factor 10-4 was plated on freshly prepared plates of MacConkey and nutrient agar, it was then incubated at 37oc for hours. The isolates obtained from the media after 24 hours were purified and were sub cultured into slants of nutrient agar. Isolates were subjected to gram staining and biochemical tests. The fecal coliform, Escherichia coli was isolated from some of the water samples. Total coliform counts ranged from 1.12 x 107cfu/ml-7.5 x 106 cfu/ml while total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 1.12cfu/ml x 106 cfu/ml to 2.0 x 105cfu/ml the bacterial species isolated were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Listeria spp, Enterobacter spp, Bacillus spp, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp and coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. The results obtained from this study have shown high level of bacteria load which makes the water unsuitable for human consumption. Further treatment may be needed as the bacteria isolates from the water samples point to fecal contamination which may be due to inadequate treatment of water, contamination while in the storage tanks or passage through contaminated pipes supplying the community. The consumers may be at high risk of
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