ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the microbial quality and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates from borehole and stream waters used by some villages in Abia State, Nigeria. Borehole water samples were obtained from thirty different sources and twenty samples from different stream sources and investigated for the presence of indicator organisms such as total coliforms, and faecal coliforms, using the pour plate technique, membrane filtration, and most probable number (MPN). Organisms were further identified using standard methods. Antibiogram of isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method. Total bacteria count of the stream water samples analyzed ranged from 2.32 x 102 cfu/ml to 1.42 x 102 cfu/ml and Total bacteria count of the Borehole waters ranges from 2.30 x102 cfu/100ml to 0.25x 102 cfu/100ml.  The feacal coliform count ranges from 1600 cfu/100ml to 80cfu/100ml for stream and from 45 to 2 for borehole. Genera of bacteria identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Esherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp, Salmonella sp. Streptococcus spp, and  Serratia sp.  Escherichia coli was found to be sensitive to all antibiotics but augmentin. Highest level of resistance was exhibited by Enterobacter sp. It was observed that the borehole and stream water used by the people of Ohokobe, Ubakala and Ugwunchara is of poor microbial quality. A possible follow up would be necessary to identify the sources of contamination and disinfection of water in storage tanks before distribution through the taps is also recommended as a short term solution.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification

Dedication iii

Acknowledgments  iv

List of tables

Table of contents vi

Abstract vii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1. Aims and Objectives. 3

1.2. Accomplishment of Objectives 4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0. Literature Review 5

2.1. Surface Water                                                                                  5

2.2. Water Quality                                                                                    5

2.2.1 Water Quality Monitoring                                                      5 

2.2.2. Natural Processes Affecting Water Quality                                    5

2.3. United Nations (Un) Indicators of Water Quality                            6

2.3.1. The Basics of Indicator Organisms                                                            8

2.3.2. Indicator Methods                                                                                        9

2.3.3. Presence-Absence                                                                                    10

2.4. Membrane Filtration                                                                              10

2.4.1. Current Indicator Organisms                                                                                        10

2.4.2. Total Coliforms                                                                                                             10

2.4.3. Thermotolerant Coliforms                                                                                          11

2.4.4. Fecal Coliforms                                                                                                            11

2.4.5. Escherichia coli                                                                                                            11

CHAPTER THREE

 3.0. Materials and Methods                                                                                                   13

3.1 collection of water sample 13

3.2 Cultivation, Enumeration and Isolation of Aerobic Heterotrophic Bacteria                    13

3.3. Analysis of Water Samples for Coliform and Thermotolerant or Faecal Coliforms       14

3.3.1. Antibiotics Susceptibility Test                                                                                      17

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0. Results                                                                                                 18-23                                                                    

CHAPTER FIVE

Discussion 2

Conclusion                                                                                                                              28

Recommendations                                                                                                                   29

References            30- 33