Abstract

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The importance of routine assessment of water quality available for consumption, domestic and industrial uses cannot be overemphasized. Hence, studies on microbiological and physico-chemical characteristics of Nduetong Oku streams (Idim Afia and Idim Etuk) were carried out to assess their pollution status. Microbiological analysis showed mean bacterial count of 8.05x105 CFU/mL for Idem Afia and 7.86x 105 CFU/mL for Idem Etuk; the mean coliform count for two streams were 3.57x105CFU/mL and 3.4xl05 CFU/mL , while the mean fungal counts was 5.43xl04 CFU/mL and 4.52xl04 CFU/mL for Idem Afia and Idem Etuk, respectively. Isolates identified included Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., and Vibro sp. which are considered pathogenic, other were Enterococcus faecalis and Escherischia coli, notable pollution indicators and pathogens. Fungi isolates obtained were Aspergillus candidus, Absidia sp, Chaetomium sp, Candida Iropicalis, Candida pseudotropicalis, Penicillium frequentans, Eurotium herbariorum. All the fungal isolates and Escherichia sp:, Bacillus sp., and Pseudomonas sp. exhibited hydrocarbon degradation capability. The physico-chemical analysis of the water sources showed that some parameters were higher, some below and others within the specified range of WHO (World Health Organization) standard. From these baseline studies conducted in Nduetong-Oku streams, it has been noted that the streams contain a number of tested parameters that do not conform to the WHO standard for potable water.

Keywords: Water, Natural water sources, Pathogenic microorganisms, Pollution, potable water.