Effect of storage on bacteriological quality of borehole water

Abstract

The effect of storage on the bacteriological quality of water from a borehole was investigated. Water samples drawn from the borehole were stored in covered tap-fitted buckets of different colours at room temperature. Physicochemical parameters (pH and suspended solids contents) as well as bacteriological parameters (total bacterial and total coliform counts) were monitored over 12 days of storage. Generally, there was an increase in pH during storage. Their suspended solid content reduced by 75.0%, 92.3% and 40.0% during storage in the purple, blue and transparent buckets respectively. A total of eleven bacterial species were isolated at onset but only three of them: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris survived till the twelfth day of storage. There was also reduction in the total bacteria count by 82.5%, 83.35%, and 58.82% from an initial 17 x 10⁴ CFU/ml during storage in the purple, blue and transparent buckets respectively. The total coliform count decreased by 99.18%, 82.35% and 91.36% in purple, blue and transparent buckets respectively from an initial 1100 MPN/100ml during the period of storage. The significance of storage as a means of enhancing water purification was discussed and suggestion provided on proper storage of water intended for drinking.


African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 213-218