ABSTRACT

The bacteriological and physico-chemical analyses of some of the borehole water within Amaoba in Ikwuano Local Government Area Abia State were carried out. The bacteriological analysis was carried using spread plate method and MPN (most probable number) technique for coliform and faecal count. Five bacterial genera Escherichia coli, Streptococcus species, Klebsiella species, Salmonella species and Shigella species were isolated. The mean of total viable count (TVC) gave a range of 2.18×103 –12.93×103cfu/ml while Salmonella-Shigella count (SSC) gave a range of 3.08×103 – 7.78×103cfu/ml. The total coliform count (TCC) gave a range of 3.95 – 7.90MPN/100ml and total faecal count, a range of 2.38 – 10.13 MPN/100ml. The total coliform count did not exceed the standard requirement of 10 TCC MPN/100ml for Cheesbroug, WHO and NSDWQ except TVC, SSC and TFC. For the bacteriological analysis, there was no significant difference(s) (P>0.005). For the physico-chemical, the odour, colour, taste, conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solid, temperature, sulphate, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, and carbondioxide were in compliance with WHO, NAFDAC, NSDWQ, and USEPA except pH that was in variations, only Umuolu, Umuoshotulu, and Umuawuru that met the standards for drinking water. From the physico-chemical result, there was significant difference(s) (P<0.05) for pH while for others there was no significant difference(s) (P>0.05). Treatment of this water sources is essential for the water to be safe for drinking.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of contents v

List of figures xii

List of tables xiii

Abstract xiv

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Justification 5

1.2 Aims and Objectives 6

CHAPTER TWO: 

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 7

2.1 Sources of Water 7

2.1.1 Surface Water 7

2.1.2 Groundwater 8

2.1.2.1 Borehole Water 9

2.2 Sources of Groundwater Pollution 10

2.3  Groundwater Remediation 11

2.3.1 Groundwater treatment Techniques 11

2.3.1.1 Biological Treatment Technologies 12

2.3.1.2 Chemical Treatment Technologies 14

2.3.1.3 Physical Treatment Technologies 17

2.4 Pathogens Survival in Groundwater 18

2.5 Microbiological Analyses of Water 19

2.5.1 Indicator Organisms 21

2.5.1.1 Criteria for Indicator Organisms 22

2.5.1.2 Coliforms 22

2.5.1.3 Faecal Coliform 23

2.5.1.4 Escherichia coli 24

2.5.1.5 Faecal Streptococci 25

2.5.1.6 Other indicators 26

2.5.1.7 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27

2.6 Contaminants in Water 27

2.6.1 Microbial Contaminants 27

2.6.2 Radiological Contaminants 28

2.6.3 Organic Chemical Contaminants 28

2.6.4 Inorganic Contaminants 29

2.7 Water Treatment and Purification 29

2.7.1 Sedimentation 29

2.7.2 Aeration 29

2.7.3 Coagulation 30

2.7.4 Softening 30

2.7.5 Filtration 30

2.7.6 Adsorption 30

2.7.7 Chlorination 31

2.7.8 Sanitation Assessment of Ground Water Quality 31

2.8 Physico-Chemical Properties of Water 32

2.8.1 Physical Properties 32

2.8.1.1 Appearance/Colour 32

2.8.1.2 Odour 33

2.8.1.3 Taste 33

2.8.1.4 Cloudiness/Turbidity 33

2.8.2   Chemical Properties 33

2.8.2.1 Electrical Conductivity 33

2.8.2.2 pH Value 33

2.8.2.3 Temperature 34

2.8.2.4   Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mg/l 35

2.8.2.5 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/l 35

2.8.2.6 Total Hardness 35

2.8.2.7 Carbondioxide 37

2.8.2.8 Total Alkalinity 37

2.8.2.9 Chloride 37

2.8.2.10 Sulphate 37

2.8.2.11 Nitrate 38

2.8.2.12 Oxygen 38

2.8.2.13 Calcium 38

2.8.2.14 Magnesium 38

2.8.2.15 Iron 39

2.8.2.16 Lead 39

2.9 Current Registration and Surveillance of Drinking Water 39

2.9.1 Microbiological Aspects 39

2.9.2 World Health Organization and NAFDAC Standards 40

CHAPTER THREE: 

3.0 MATERALS AND METHODS 44

3.1 Study Area 44

3.2 Sample Collection 44

3.3 Bacteriological Water Analysis 45

3.3 1 Media Preparation 45

3.3.2 Sample Preparation 45

3.3.3 Enumeration of Bacteria Count 46

3.3.4 Isolation and Identification of Heterotrophic Bacteria of the Water Samples 46

3.3.4.1 Cultural Examination 47

3.3.4.2 Gram Staining And Microscopic Examination 48

3.3.4.3 Test for Motility 48

3.3.5 Biochemical Tests 48

3.3.5.1 Catalase Production Test 48

3.3.5.2 Oxidase Test 49

3.3.5.3 Coagulase Test 49

3.3.5.4 Indole Test 49

3.3.5.5 Citrate Utilization Test 50

3.3.6 Test for Coliforms 50

3.3.6.1 Presumptive Test 50

3.3.6.2 Confirmed Test 51

3.3.6.3 Completed Test 51

3.4 Determination of Physico-chemical Analyses of Borehole Water 51

3.4.1 Organoleptic or Physical Parameters of the Borehole Samples 51

3.4.1.1 Colour Determination 51

3.4.1.2 Taste Determination 52

3.4.1.3 Odour Determination 52

3.4.2 Chemical Parameters of the Borehole Water Samples 52

3.4.2.1 Conductivity Determination 52

3.4.2.2 pH Determination 52

3.4.2.3 Temperature Determination 53

3.4.2.4 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Determination 53

3.4.2.5 Total Suspended Solids 54

3.4.2.6 Sulphate (SO4) Determination 54

3.4.2.7 Total Hardness Determination (THD) 55

3.4.2.8 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Determination 55

3.5 Statistical Analysis 56

CHAPTER FOUR: 

4.0 RESULTS 57

CHAPTER FIVE: 

5.0 DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 61

5.1 Discussion 61

5.2 Conclusion 64

5.3 Recommendation 65

References 66

Appendix