Bacteriological and Physicochemical Analyses of Borehole and Well Water Sources in Ijebu-Ode, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

An investigative study was carried out to determine the bacteriological and physicochemical qualities of borehole and well water samples in Ijebu-Ode, Southwestern Nigeria. Ten water samples each of borehole and well water sources were collected within the geographical location. Physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. The total bacterial count was determined by pour plate technique and total coliform determined using 3-3-3 regimen. Identifications of isolates were done using standard methods. The colour and turbidity of water samples were within the normal range. Eight genera of bacteria which include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Shigella sp, Enterococcus sp, Proteus sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the water samples. Total bacterial count in borehole and well waters sampled ranged from zero to 2.5 x 102 cfu/ml and zero to 8.1 x 102 cfu/ml, respectively. The total coliform count of the borehole waters analyzed ranged from zero to 16 MPN index of coliform/100 ml while that of well waters ranged from 16 to 1100 MPN index of coliform/100 ml of the water samples. All borehole water samples had zero faecal coliform count while in well water samples, count ranged from zero to 4.1 x 102 cfu/ml. It was concluded that not all borehole waters are safe for consumption and well waters were of poorer bacteriological qualities indicative of health risk to the inhabitants of the geographical location.