Comparative analysis of microbiological and physicochemcal characteristics of stream and borehole in Umuocha, Amawom village, Oboro, Ikwuano L.G.A. Of Abia State

ABSTRACT

 Microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of stream and boreholes in Umuocha, Amawom were conducted in order to examine their qualities.The mean total bacterial counts ranged from 5.8x10'-9.3x10° cfu/ml. The mean Escherichia coli counts ranged from 2.3x10' 3.2x 10cfu/ml. The mean coliform counts ranged from 120 - 460 MPN/1 OOml.The mean fungal counts range from 5.6x10'-8.5x 10cfu/ml and the mean Salmonella-shigella counts ranged from 5.1x10'-7.3x 10cfu/ml. The bacteria genera isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, 2(6.2%); Escherichia coli, 5(15.6%), Salmonella species 3(9.3%), Klebsiella species 2(6.2%), Proteus species 3(9.3%), Shigella species 3(9.3%), Bacillus species 3(9.3%), Enterobacter aerogenes 4(12.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4(12.5%) and Streptococcus faecalis 3(9.3%). The fungi genera isolated were Nigospora I ( 14%), Trichoderma 2(29%), Mucor racemous 1(14%) and Aspergillus niger 3(43%). The mean values of physicochemical parameters ranged as follows pH, 6.32-7.02; Temperature, 26.5 -28.00 C; Turbidity, 0.38 - 0.67 NTU; Total Dissolved Solid, 97-208 mg/l; Electrical conductivity, 201-431; Total hardness, 16.00 - 64 mg/I; Chloride, 120-- 152; Dissolved Solids, 0.20-0.60. The t-test result shows significant difference between ·the quality of stream, public and private borehole supply sources in the study area. From the findings, it is recommended that the water supply sources in the area should be properly treated before human consumption and other domestic purposes