BACTERIOLOGICAL AND PARASITOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED WELL WATER IN KANGIWA TOWN, KEBBI STATE
Abstract
Wells can be susceptible to pollution because of harmful human activities, such as the practice of open defecation or the location of wells near pit latrines. Additionally, improper handling or the use of contaminated containers during the fetching of water can also contribute to well water pollution. In view of this, this study was carried out to analyse the bacteriological and parasitological composition of water samples collected from well water sources in Kangiwa town of Kebbi State, Nigeria. A total of fifteen (15) distinct well water samples were employed in the present study. Standard protocol was followed to conduct basic plate counts, determine the total number of coliform bacterial counts, and perform parasite investigations. The findings of the study indicated that the bacterial load exhibited a range of 5.3 x10-4cfu/ml to 2.0 x10-5cfu/ml, whilst the total coliform counts varied from 3 to 160 MPN of coliforms per 100ml. Additionally, the study revealed the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in three well-water samples. The findings also revealed cysts of two species of parasites, namely Naegleria fowleri and Endolimax nana. There was a significant correlation (P<0.05) between the location of the well and the occurrence of the parasites. The results indicated that well water samples obtained from a well situated in areas with potential for contamination exhibited the highest incidence, reaching 100%. The proportion of well water samples collected from a non-contaminated location was found to be the lowest, at 16.7%. The research findings underscore the significance of disseminating public health education regarding the potential hazards associated with the consumption of untreated water, particularly from well sources.
Keywords
Bacteria, Parasites, Kangiwa, Wells, Pollution, Public Health