ABSTRACT
An investigative study was carried out to determine the bacteriological qualities of borehole water samples in halls of residence in the University of Benin, Ugbowo Benin City. A total of five water samples were collected from the the various halls of residence in the school. Bacteriological analysis was carried out using standard methods. The total bacterial count was determined by pour plate technique and total coliform determined. Eight genera of bacteria which include Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp. and Alcaligenes spp. were isolated from the water samples. Total bacterial count in water samples ranged from 0 to 32 x 102cfu/ml. The total coliform count of the borehole waters analyzed ranged from 0 to 39 MPN index of coliform/50 ml. It was concluded that not all tank waters are safe for consumption and proper measures should be taken in cleaning and treating our water tanks regularly.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Chapter one
1.0 introduction
the need for water analysis
statement of problem
1.1 aim of the study:
1.2 objectives of the study:
1.3 research question:
1.4 scope of study
Chapter two: literature review
2.1 understanding the hydrologic cycle
2.2 surface and groundwater supplies
2.3 how are surface and groundwater related?
2.4 water utilization
2.5 water well components
2.5.1 well casing
2.5.2 well screen
2.5.3 well termination
2.6 disinfection for drinking water
2.7 sources of surface and groundwater contamination
2.7.1 domestic sources
2.7.2 agricultural
2.7.3 urban
2.7.4 industrial
2.8 protecting surface water supplies
2.8.1 ponds
2.9 protecting groundwater supplies
2.10 what individuals can do
Chapter three
Materials and methods
3.1 study area
3.2 samples collections, transport and storage
3.3 preparation of culture media
3.3.1 nutrient agar
3.3.2 potato dextrose agar
3.4 microbiological parameters
3.4.1 total counts of heterotrophic microorganism (bacteria)
3.4.2 total coliform counts and total faecal coliform counts
3.4.3 fungi
3.5 pure culture
3.6 cultural characteristics
3.7 morphological test
3.7.1 fungi morphology
3.7.2 gram staining
3.8 biochemical test
3.8.1 catalase test
3.8.2 oxidase test
3.8.3 coagulase test
3.8.4 urease test
3.8.5 indole test
3.8.6 citrate utilization test
3.8.7 sugar fermentation test
Chapter four
Results
4.1 discussions
Chapter five
Conclusion
References
TABLES
Table 1: mean values of the bacteria counts of the various water sources.
Table 2: mean values of the fungi counts of the various water sources.
Table 3: mean values of microbial coliform counts of the various water sources.
Table 4: mean values of faecal coliform counts of the various water sources.
Table 5: frequency of occurrence of bacteria isolates from different water
Table 6: frequency of occurrence of fungi isolates from different water sources
Table 7: percentage (%) frequency of distribution of bacteria isolates from the different water sources.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Water is indispensable and intricately connected to life, without which there is no life. This is the reason for which water must be given the necessary attention at all times. Good drinking water is not a luxury; it is one of the most essential amenities of life itself. The supply of safe drinking water to all has therefore engaged the attention of many individuals, groups, governmental organizations and private organizations. (Adetunde et al. 2010).
Drinking water free of pathogenic organisms is fundamental to breaking one of the principal transmission routes of infectious disease. This fact has stimulated worldwide investment in the construction of water systems that are designed to meet stringent water quality standards. (Trevett, 2004).
Waterborne pathogens, including a variety of viral, bacterial, algal and protozoan agents, account for much of the estimated 4 billion cases and 2.5 million deaths from endemic diarrheal disease each year. (Kosek et al. 2003).
Increase in human population has exerted an enormous pressure on the provision of safe drinking water, especially in developing countries (Umeh et al. 2005). Unsafe water is a global public health threat, placing persons at risk for a host of diarrheal and other disease as well as chemical intoxication (Hughes et al. 2005). Unsanitary water particularly has devastating effects on young children in developing world. Each year, more than 2 million persons, mostly children less than 5 years of age, die of diarrheal disease (Kosek et al. 2003; Parashar et al. 2003).
Nearly 90% of diarrheal-related deaths have been attributed to unsafe or inadequate-water supplies and sanitation conditions affecting a large part of the world’s population (Hughes et al. 2005; WHO 2004). An estimated 2.6 billion persons lack access to adequate sanitation (Okonko et al. 2008).
The University of Benin, Benin City, has 5 main halls of residence (halls 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). There are also various staff quarters in the school: Junior Staff Quarter, Senior Staff Quarter, Dentistry Quarter and Doctor’s Quarter. These halls depend on borehole water stored in overhead tanks for their water supply.
1.1 AIM OF THE STUDY:
This study is aimed at the bacteriological analysis of the water from these tanks.
1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
1. To attain the total bacterial count of the water samples.
2. To determine the coliform counts (Most Probable Number) of the water samples.
3. To determine the species of bacteria present in the water.
