Microbes, Mineral Elements and Geophysical Nature of Public Water Sources in Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the bacteriological quality and geophysical abiotic components including mineral elements of public drinking water sources in Akungba-Akoko community located in South West Nigeria.
Study Design: Water and soil samples were collected from selected ground water (e.g., well, borehole) and surface water (e.g., streams) in 20 various locations of Akungba-Akoko community. Similarly, Geographical positioning system (GPS) of the sampling site was determined.
Methodology: Total bacteria and coliform content of water samples were enumerated using the pour plate technique. The physico-chemical parameters such as pH, turbidity and temperature and mineral elements constituents were determined. Total bacterial count, phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) were also determined in the soil samples.
Results: The total bacterial count ranged from as low as 1.0 x 102 cfu/mL in GLAS site to 1.22 x 106 cfu/mL in sample site GLA9, while the coliforms count ranged from 5.0 x 101 cfu/mL in well water of sample site GLG1 to 36 x 104 cfu/mL and 3.8 x 105 cfu/mL in sample site GL9 and GL7 respectively. As for soil sources, the total heterotrophic bacterial count range was from 1.8 x105 cfu/g to 8.7 x105 cfu/g. Total hardness of the water sources ranged from 4.46 ppm in sample site GLA2 to 216.86 ppm in well water (GLWS 6) in Akungba. High levels of lead in some areas as in Araromi pond zone (GLCW16) and Well water 2nd Market (GLBWS 6) among others, exceeded the maximum permissible level of 0.10 mg/L. The pH of water sources range from pH 5.52 to pH 7.91 while temperature ranges from 23ºC to 28ºC.
Conclusion: This study shows that many sources of public drinking water supply in Akungba-Akoko are microbiologically substandard with possible infiltration of some chemical contaminants. Hence, routine monitoring and protection of the water resources is necessary in this community to improve the quality of drinking water and avoid possible associated health risks.