MICROBIAL ASSESSMENT OF FAECAL CONTAMINATION OF UNDERGROUND WATER

ABSTRACT

Water is one of nature's most important resources and it is necessary for all living organisms. Groundwater pollution is one of Nigeria's least acknowledged environmental issues. However, this research is based on microbial assessment of faecal contamination of ground water; using key microbial indicators. The study took place in Egor L.G.A of Edo State. A total of fifteen (15) borehole locations were sampled with their coordinates and the study area was characterized by various family homes, hostels for students, market, schools, gas stations and hospitals, mechanic workshops, eateries, hotels and churches. The American Public Health Association (APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA), and Water Environmental Foundation's (WEF) standard protocols were used to analyse the physical and chemical composition of the water samples from each borehole. The total dissolved solids (TDS) was measured using a TDS meter, suspended solids were measured using a HACH colorimeter, and pH was determined for each sample using a Jenway 3505 pH meter (HACH Company). The mean of the total coliform count ranged from 0 to 2350 CFU/ml and the mean of the faecal coliform count ranged from 0 to 50 CFU/ml for the water samples.