Bacteriological and Physico-chemical Analysis of Borehole Water in Auta Balefi Community, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical qualities of borehole water in Auta Balefi, community.

Place and Duration of Study: Auta Balefi, Community, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State; Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, Karu, between April 2015 and June 2015.

Materials and Methods: Five water samples from different sources (boreholes) was collected randomly within the community. The total bacterial count was determined by pour plate technique. Total coliform count was determined using 3-3-3 regimen (3-tube assay). Identifications of isolates was carried out using standard methods.

Results: Six genera of bacteria which include Escherichia spp, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus spp, Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas spp and Proteus spp was isolated from the water samples. Total Heterotrophic bacterial count in the borehole water sampled ranged from 1.03 x 10-2 cfu/ml to 2.01 x 10-2cfu/ml, respectively. The total coliform count of the borehole water analyzed ranged from 19 Most Probable Number (MPN) index of coliform/100 ml to 26 MPN index of coliform/100 ml. The fecal coliform count of the water analyzed ranged from 2x102 cfu/ml to 6x102 cfu/ml. Important physico-chemical parameters such as Color, Salinity, Turbidity, Nitrate concentration, Total hardness, Chloride and Calcium levels were within the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for potable water though some parameters such as TDS and pH had values which were beyond these standards.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the borehole water analyzed is not safe for consumption. However, improvisation of safe drinking water by individuals will reduce the spread of the water borne diseases and this can be achieved either by boiling or chlorination. The addition of sodium aluminate (alum), or ‘water guard’ which contains 1.0% of sodium hypochlorate to water will reduce water contaminants.