Effect of Nutrient Runoff on the Water Microbiology and Quality of a Community Water Source: A Case Study of Orogodo River

Abstract

The water microbiology and quality of Orogodo River were investigated at four stations during the wet and dry seasons. Results indicated decreased levels of BOD and COD and a reduced level of DO along the stations. The pH of the water was acidic ranging from 3.25 – 6.6. The TSS and TDS were high due to high siltation of the water. Low levels of zinc, lead, mercury and cadmium were recorded with high level of iron in stations 1, 2, 3 and in the tissues of the Tilapia fishes analyzed. The turbidity level decreased with increased temperature along the stations. Microbial analysis showed the presence of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Stapylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella typhi. Streptococcus faecalis was the most prevalent organism isolated in both seasons.

Keywords: Microbiology, Quality, Nutrient Runoff, Community Water Source, Orogodo River

> Tropical Freshwater Biology Vol. 15 2006: pp. 71-82