Bacteriological Qualities Of Ikogosi Warm Water Spring

Abstract

Water bodies have continually played a vital role in the world irrespective of race and tribe and serves as a factor of importance in the modern economic growth of all the contemporary societies. Contamination of water sources with microbes can occur through rainfall overflow and agricultural runoff mixing with sewage effluents. The study determined the bacteriological quality of Ikogosi warm water spring. Five samples were taken from different points in the water spring. The total bacteria count of the samples ranges from <tex>$2.5\times 101$</tex> to <tex>$1.00\times 104$</tex>. All the water samples collected exceeded the International Standard of one coliform per 100ml. Based on cultural, microscopic and biochemical characterization, organisms isolated were predominantly Bacilluspumilus. Gemella species, Flavobacterium species and Aeromonas species were also found in the water sample. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity tests suggest the prevalence of antibiotic susceptible bacteria in Ikogosi warm water spring. In conclusion, water samples from Ikogosi warm water were observed to be unsafe for human consumption especially when untreated. It consumption may lead to meaningitis in children, especially when not treated.