BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED BOREHOLE WATER IN OSUN STATE (IREE, ILA AND IKIRUN)
Abstract
This study assessed the bacteriological quality of borehole water collected from three towns in Osun State— Iree, Ila-Orangun, and Ikirun. Water samples were aseptically collected and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures, including the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique, total viable count (TVC), morphological characterization, and biochemical identification of isolates. Physical examination showed that all samples were clear, odourless, and had acceptable temperature (28°C) and pH (7.0) values. However, bacteriological evaluation revealed MPN values ranging from 3 to 9/100 ml, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit for potable water. Total viable counts ranged from 1.0 to 1.3 cfu/ml, indicating slight contamination. Biochemical characterization identified the presence of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., and Proteus spp., all of which are potential pathogens associated with fecal contamination and waterborne disease transmission. The findings indicate that borehole water in the study areas does not meet WHO microbiological standards for drinking water. The study recommends proper borehole construction, routine treatment (including chlorination), improved sanitation around water sources, and regular monitoring to safeguard public health.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.