ABSTRACT

The study assessed the bacteriological and physicochemical quality of Umuahia South streams namely Umuabali, Amachara, Oyivo (Ubakala), Oyivo (Ohiya), Umuekwule, Umuajameze, Umubaa, Ntutolu (Nsirimo), Ekenebiz, Ogbodi. Water samples were analysed seasonally. Water samples were collected from each streams from three different points comprising the Upper stream, main stream and downstream respectively for analysis of temperature, pH, colour , turbidity , conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity , hardness and some selected anions (P043 ,NO2 ,S042 ) some heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn), and total coliforms. The Total Heterotrophic Bacteria count highest value was obtained from Ekenebiz (7.00x102CFU ML') in the dry season while Oyivo stream was the lowest value obtained (l.07x102CFU ML').From the results, pH of thestreams were acidic (4.67-6.60) and were unaffected by the seasonal variation. The water was moderately soft to slightly hard (40.77-209.67mg/l CaCO3). The nutrient values range (Cl, S, P,N, COD, BOD) observed in the water were low(1.22-17.90, 0.40- 1.36, 0.13-1.18, 0.27-1.56, 3.12-6.22, 1.01-5.02 respectively) and fell within the WHO standards. With the exception of pH, all the other parameters analysed were influenced by seasonal variations. There was a general increase in all the parameters during the wet season with turbidity, conductivity and total dissolved solids recording higher values. Genotypic analysis identified the organisms to be Escherichia coil, Citrobacter freundil Shigeila dysenteriae, Salmonella bongori, and Proteus mirabilis. The antibiogram of the coliform organisms showed a high level of cumulative resistance percentage to the antibiotics using modified Disc Diffusion Method (MDDM).The study indicates the condition of Umuahia South L.G.A streams which pose a threat to human lives except Oyivo (Ubakala) which is safer when compared to other streams.