Evaluation of physicochemical, bacteriological and parasitological quality of selected well water samples in Awka and its environment, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water quality is made up of physical, chemical and biological factors which influence the use of water for domestic purposes. Industrial and municipal solid and liquid wastes are being continuously leached into water reservoirs, thereby affecting its potability for domestic use. In this study, the physicochemical, bacteriological and parasitological evaluation of selected well water samples in Awka and its environment were evaluated during wet season. Standard methods for physicochemical, bacteriological and parasitological analyses were employed. Physicochemical analysis was done using standard analytical methods; bacteriological analysis was determined by dilution and membrane filtration techniques. Parasitological analysis was done using the centrifugation method. The result showed that 86.67% of the pH values were acidic,  6.67% of nitrate, 33.33% of phosphate, 20% of cadmium, 73.33% of lead, 26.67% of arsenic, 20% of iron, 100% of bacteria and parasites exceeded the WHO maximum containment level goal for domestic water while other parameters were within WHO standards for domestic water. The most polluted of all the well water samples is Aka well water while the least polluted is Emeka and Aqua well waters. S. typhi had the highest frequency of isolation (25.45%) while Bacillus subtilis had the least (1.56%). Diplostomum parasite had the highest frequency of isolation (42.86%) while Ichthyobodo and Chilodonella had the least (28.57% respectively). Since some of the physicochemical, bacteriological and parasitological parameters had values above World Health Organization admissible limits; governments, health and environmental experts must rectify (through water treatments and better sanitary practices) and enlighten the residents to prevent epidemics.