Physicochemical and Bacteriological Properties of Surface Waters from two Localities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study investigated the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of surface waters from Bori and Okoli’ile towns in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 360 brackish water samples were collected from January to December, 2019 from the two localities. Samples were subjected to physicochemical, trace elements and bacteriological examinations. Isolated colonies from microbiological examinations were subjected to further biochemical and physiological characterization. The result showed pH mean values were higher in the month of January to March, a period where rainfall is less frequent (dry months). Similar trend of occurrence was observed in the monthly mean values of temperature (0C) and salinity (mg/L). Most of the physicochemical indices of water quality measurement recorded average values exceeding the stipulated acceptable environmental tolerance limits by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The microbiological examinations showed lower monthly mean values of total heterotrophic count, total coliforms and faecal coliforms counts during the wet months with statistically significant difference (P<0.05) when compared to the average values obtained in the dry months. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed high relationship between total heterotrophic count and faecal coliforms, an indication of increase in human wastes into aquatic environments leading to higher bacterial population within the waterbody, which could be a predisposing factor for epidemic. It is recommended that local and regional governments should enforce appropriate measures to encourage personal and community practice of hygiene.