Bacteriological Quality Of Borehole Water Samples In Umudike Community In Ikwuano L.G.A Of Abia State

ABSTRACT

Microbial and physicochemical analysis of borehole water samples in Umudike community was investigated. The total viable bacterial count ranged from 3.64 x104 to 1.82 x 105cfulmL and fungal load ranged from 3.lxlO'cfulmL to 3.7x10 'cfulmL. The coli form count was between 4. 1x10and 9.2x103cfu/mL. The bacterial isolated include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Heterobacter Aero genes. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus and Mucor. The physicochernical parameters were above the acceptable level including nitrate with a range of 20-65mgIL and which is above the 10mg/L given as WHO guidelines. These findings shows that the water samples generally did not meet WHO standard for drinking and domestic water. Therefore the boreholes should be boiled before drinking.