Comparative Analysis of Bacteriological and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Water Samples from Different Sources used by Students of Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State
Authors: Mzungu Ignatius , Ebunam Anastesia Chisom 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to comparatively analyze the bacterial load and physiochemical parameters of water samples from various sources used by the students of Federal University, Dutsinma Katsina State. Samples from tap, well, dam, rain, sachet and boreholes were collected at different locations where students reside. There were 6 sources of water, namely; tap water, dam water, well water, borehole water, sachet water and rain water from which 10 samples were obtained each, making a total of 60 samples for analysis. The physicochemical parameters of each water samples were detected. According the technique adopted by Chessbrough. (2000), the samples were serially diluted, 3 test tubes were sterilized and distilled water of 9ml were Pipette into these test tubes, 1ml of the water sample was pipette into the first test tube and was shaken vigorously to have a homogeneous mixture (stock). Bacterial count of each water sample was carried out and presence of Escherichia coli, P.aeruginosa, S.aureus, S.typhi, K.pneumoniae, B.subtilis, Proteus sp, Shigella sp, and E.aerogenes were identified. Biochemical tests were carried out for accurate characterization of the isolates. The pattern of occurrence the studied physico–chemical parameters (except pH) of borehole water, sachet water, Dam, Rain, well, tap water were within the permissible limit set by World Health Organization. The pH of all samples of sachet water were within the permissible limit set by World Health Organization However, the pH of 7 out of 10 samples of borehole water and 8 out of 10 samples of tap water were within the permissible limit set by World Health Organization. The prevalence of indicator organisms in water samples are as follows; Klebsiella pneumoniae (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=0, Tap water=80%, Borehole=70%, Rain=20%, Well=100%), Escherichia coli (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=0, Tap water=20%, Borehole=10%, Rain=0, Well=100%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=60%, Tap water=100%, Borehole=100%, Rain=100, Well=100%), Staphylococcus aureus (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=40%, Tap water=50%, Borehole=50%, Rain=20%, Well=100%), Salmonella TYPHI (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=0, Tap water=30%, Borehole=10%, Rain=10%, Well=100%), Bacillus subtilis (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=60%, Tap water=70%, Borehole=50%, Rain=30%, Well=100%), Proteus sp (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=0, Tap water=50%, Borehole=30%, Rain=10%, Well=100%), Shigella sp (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=0, Tap water=30%, Borehole=10%, Rain=10%, Well=100%), Enterobacter aerogenes (Dam water=100%, Sachet water=30%, Tap water=60%, Borehole=50%, Rain=30%, Well=100%). The research indicates the polluted condition of water in Dutsin-ma. Only sachet water is fit for consumption without further treatment in Dutsin-ma. Tap and borehole water should be treated before consumption. Dam water and well water should be used for other domestic purposes. However it should be treated by sedimentation followed by boiling. Rain water has less bacterial load but has an acidic pH, therefore it is unfit for consumption.