The Physicochemical and Microbial Characteristics of Municipal Water Supply in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The physiochemical and microbial analyses of municipal water supplies in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria was carried out using water samples were collected from Otamiri River, waterworks yard and taps at Ikenegbu, Amakohia and Avu communities. The physical parameters results showed that all parameter were below World Health Organization/Federal Ministry of Environment (WHO/FME) standard with temperatures ranging from 27.1 to 28.3^OC, pH 5.72 - 7.98, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) 21 – 34 mg/L and Total Suspended Solid (TSS) 3 - 7 mg/L. The chemical results showed slight increase in iron from samples A2, A1, A and B (0.71 = 0.37) as against WHO/FME (0.3 cfu/100ml). The bacteriology results showed above WHO/FME maximum acceptable level of 5 - 10 variable bacteria count (cfu/100 ml), 0 - 2, total coliform count (cfu/100ml) and SSA (0 - 2) cfu /20mls > 300 to 8. The study showed that more attention was given to physicochemical treatment than bacteriological treatment. Serious attention should be given to bacteriological treatment for public health concern and safety to reduce outbreak of water borne diseases in the study area.

Keywords: Municipal water, physiochemical quality, microbial profile, Nigeria