Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Hand-Dug Wells in Mechanic Village Dutse, North-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The need to have constant access to potable water is inevitable to meet one of the goals of the United Nations’ sustainable development. Objectives: This research was conducted to determine the bacteriological quality of the two (2) hand-dug wells available in Dutse mechanic village Jigawa state. Methods: Twelve (12) water samples were collected from the two (2) hand-dug wells present in the village. The sampling carried out in the morning and afternoon comprised six (6) from well A and six (6) from well B. All the water samples were analyzed for the possible presence and concentration of two waterborne bacteria; Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. using the plate count method. Results: E. coli (10.4x10⁶ CFU/mL) pollution contributed to the highest mean bacterial load detected in well A while E. coli (7.38x10⁶ CFU/mL) pollution was detected in well B. Having subjected the generated results to statistical analysis (T-test at 95% confidence level), there was a significant difference in E. coli and Klebsiella sp. pollution across the two wells (p< 0.05). It is recommended that the wells in the village should be properly given the hygienic practice it deserves by covering them to avert contamination by flies and waterborne pathogens.  Conclusion: E. coli and Klebsiella sp. were detected in all the water samples assayed in both hand-dug wells. Having a well-kept fetcher devoid of microbial loads and clearing all dump sites close to the wells will ensure microbial-oriented pollution-free well water fit for human consumption.

Keywords: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., hand-dug well, enteric bacteria, water