Assessment of the Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Borehole Water Samples from Akungba - Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Purpose: Water is very important to the existence of humans, though could also serve as vehicle of pathogenic organisms and dangerous organic and inorganic matters. The physicochemical and microbiological analysis of seven borehole water samples used by AkungbaAkoko residents were carried out with the aim of ascertaining their suitability or otherwise for human consumption. Methods: The total hardness, pH, alkalinity, some common elements and presence of toxic metals were determined. The Most Probable Number (MPN) was used for the detection and isolation of the contaminating microorganisms. Results: In the physicochemical analysis of the borehole water samples, the lowest pH (6.54) was recorded in IBK1 sample while AKA water sample gave highest calcium concentration (86.97mg/L). The total hardness ranged between 171.76 and 327.33mg/L. Elements such as manganese, zinc, copper, cadmium were below detectable levels in the water samples. Seven bacteria species, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi and Proteus vulgaris were isolated. AKA sample gave the highest bacteria count of 1.6 X 10 cfu/ml. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated among the bacteria, having been isolated in three of out of the seven samples examined. The antibiotics susceptibility test showed that Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniae were susceptible to most antibiotics. Conclusion: The physicochemical properties and the bacteria load of most of the water samples were within WHO standard for drinking water hence, the water samples can be declared fit for drinking.