BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF WASTEWATER COLLECTED FROM SATELLITE TOWN, CALABAR!
Abstract
This research was conducted to isolate and identify Vibrio species and other pathogenic microorganisms present in wastewater collected from Satellite Town, Calabar. Standard bacteriological techniques were employed for the analysis of water samples. The morphological characteristics of isolates indicated the presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae, and Escherichia coli. V. parahaemolyticus appeared as small, smooth, flat, pale-yellow colonies on nutrient agar and blue-green colonies on Thiosulfate-Citrate-Bile Salts-Sucrose (TCBS) agar. Biochemical tests revealed that E. coli was positive for methyl red, lactose, glucose, catalase, citrate, sucrose, and Voges-Proskauer, while V. cholerae showed distinct oxidase and indole activities. Frequency distribution results showed that V. cholerae was most prevalent in Site I (38%), followed by Site III (34%) and Site II (28%). E. coli accounted for 42.86% and V. parahaemolyticus for 24.81% of the isolates. Mean fecal coliform counts (CFU/ml) were 1.09×10² for Site I, 2.01×10⁴ for Site II, and 1.52×10³ for Site III, indicating high contamination levels. The detection of these pathogenic organisms poses a significant health risk to individuals exposed to contaminated wastewater, particularly food vendors and nearby residents. The study underscores the need for effective wastewater management, proper sanitation, and environmental hygiene to prevent disease transmission and protect public health.
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