ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIAL LOAD IN SELECTED BOREHOLE WATER (A CASE STUDY OF YOBE STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF NURSING DAMATURU, AND FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC DAMATURU).

This study was conducted to detect the presence of coliform bacteria in selected borehole water sources within Damaturu metropolis, specifically Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, School of Nursing Damaturu, and Yobe State University. Water samples were collected from two points at each location and analyzed microbiologically using serial dilution, pour plate method on MacConkey agar, and Gram staining. Serial dilutions ranging from 10⁻² to 10⁻⁴ were prepared, plated, and incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours. Colony counts obtained ranged from 156 to 198 CFU/mL, with the highest counts recorded at the School of Nursing Damaturu. All isolates were identified as Gram-negative rods, consistent with coliform morphology. These findings indicate that all the water samples exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 0 coliforms per 100 mL of potable water, suggesting fecal contamination and potential health risks. The study concludes that borehole water from the sampled locations is not microbiologically safe for drinking without treatment. Regular monitoring, proper borehole protection, and water treatment measures such as chlorination are strongly recommended to safeguard public health.