Bacteriological Assessment of Well and River Water in North Bank Area of Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was carried out on Bacteriological assessment of Well and River Water in North Bank Area of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 82 water samples were collected, fifty two (52) from well water and thirty (30) from river water and were analyzed for both bacterial counts and Most Probable Number (MPN) index. The results showed that the mean bacteria count from well water ranged from 1.11 x 10⁶9.25 x 10⁶ cfu/ml, while the MPN index ranged from 4 34. The river water samples had a mean bacteria count ranging from 7.09 x 10⁶ – 12.33 x 10⁶ cfu/ml and an MPN index ranging from 26 – 2634. The cultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics of coliform bacteria isolated from the water samples were also examined. The results revealed the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, and Citrobacter species. The highest occurrence of coliform bacteria in well water was Klebsiella species (66.6%), followed by E. coli (33.3%), while in river water, Klebsiella species (58.3%) and Enterobacter species (41.6%) were the most predominant. The pathogenicity of the isolated coliform bacteria was assessed using hemolysin production, Congo red dye binding, and survival in blood serum assays. The results showed that 50.0% of E. coli isolated from well water produced hemolysin, while 25.0% of E. coli from river water produced hemolysin. Klebsiella species from well water and river water showed 33.3% and 42.8% hemolysin production, respectively. Congo Red dye binding was observed in 33.3% of E. coli from well water and 75.0% of E. coli from river water. Klebsiella species from well water and river water showed 25.0% and 28.5% Congo Red dye binding, respectively. Enterobacter species from well water and river water showed 25.0% and 50.0% Congo red dye binding, respectively. Citrobacter species from well water and river water showed 60.0% and 33.3% Congo red dye binding, respectively. Survival in blood serum was observed in 40.0% of E. coli from well water and 50.0% of E. coli from river water. Klebsiella species from well water and river water showed 41.6% and 42.8% survival in blood serum, respectively. Enterobacter species from well water and river water showed 25.0% and 33.3% survival in blood serum, respectively. Citrobacter species from well water showed 50.0% survival in blood serum. The study revealed the poor bacteriological quality of well and river water in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State, and the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. This result therefore, emphasizes the need for constant monitoring and treatment of water sources to ensure the safety of drinking water for wellbeing of the communities.

Keywords:  Bacteriological Assessment, Well water, River Water, North Bank, Benue State.