Physicochemical, Bacteriological and Enzymatic Assessment of Water Reservoirs in Ogwa and Ebelle Communities, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Numerous harmful microorganisms can be found in contaminated water. These pathogens, which are frequently seen in feces, may originate from point sources such wastewater and drainage effluents. Hence, the objective of this paper was to this physicochemical, bacteriological and enzymatic assessment of water reservoirs in Ogwa and Ebelle Communities, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. Results obtained for physicochemical characteristics showed that pH (5.81-6.10), temperature (29.9-31.4 ℃), total dissolved solids (16.80- 19.60 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (5.32-5.73mg/l), biological oxygen demand (2.67- 5.73 mg/l) are consistent within the study areas. Bacteriological evaluations obtained revealed a heterotrophic plate count ranging from 1.10 x 10⁴ to 5.40 x 10⁴ cfu/ml. The bacterial species present include Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Escherichia coli. The Rhodanese enzyme was extracted from two bacteria species. Bacillus sp. show the highest ability to produce the Rhodanese enzyme, which is essential for cyanide reduction. It is advised that reservoir water be enclosed with containers to avoid pollution, which could cause illnesses and, in extreme situations, mortality after ingestion.