BIOTECHNOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND BIOREMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED WATER SOURCES IN KASHIM IBRAHIM UNIVERSITY: A CASE STUDY OF CAMPUS WATER SUPPLY
Abstract
Water contamination poses a significant challenge to public health and environmental sustainability, particularly in developing regions. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water sources within Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU) and explored the potential of bioremediation using Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) to improve water quality.
Three sampling points were selected — Tap Water, Borehole Water, and Central Tank Water — and analyzed for key parameters including pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), and microbial counts. Results indicated varying levels of contamination across sampling points, with microbial loads exceeding WHO permissible limits in some samples.
Phytoremediation using Water Hyacinth demonstrated a notable reduction in turbidity, TDS, and microbial presence after seven days of treatment, confirming the plant’s effectiveness as a low-cost and sustainable bioremediation agent.
The findings emphasize the need for routine water monitoring and the application of eco-friendly biotechnological solutions to ensure safe campus water supply.
Keywords: Water quality, Bioremediation, Phytoremediation, Water Hyacinth, Biotechnology, KIU.
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