Bacteriological Analysis of Iyiukwu Stream Water in Uhuagu Awgu L.G.A Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The majority of the population of the Iyiukwu community in the Awgu Municipal Area of ​​Enugu State in Nigeria depends on the Iyiukwu stream for its water supply. Due to the recent dcrease in cases of waterborne diseases, a study was conducted to examine the bacteriological characteristics of the Iyiukwu stream in order to protect public health from waterborne diseases. Five of this water samples taken from both the longitudinal profile and bottom level of the creek were tested for bacteriological properties using standard methods. Total bacterial counts were determined using the cast plate technique and total bacterial counts. From water samples three genera of bacteria genus Klebsiella Alcaligenes and Salmonella were isolated. Total bacterial counts in water samples ranged from 0 to 32 ×102 CFU/ml. Total bacterial counts in the water samples analyzed ranged from MPN index 0 to 39 for coliforms per 50 ml. It was concluded that not all stream water is suitable for consumption and appropriate measures should be taken to clean and treat stream water on a regular basis before drinking.