OCCURRENCE OF COLIFORM BACTERIUM IN BOREHOLES WATER

Abstract

To probe the quality of borehole water samples in Gombe Metropolis, water samples were
collected from three wards including Pantami (ward A), Tudun Wada (ward B) and Jekada Fari
(ward C). Physico-chemical and microbial analysis towards determining the quality of the
water compared with Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and the World
Health Organization (WHO) standard for were made. The mean values for temperature, pH,
conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness and chloride in the water sample were
within the acceptable range of NSDWQ, except for turbidity and alkalinity. The water
alkalinity was different across the wards and above the standards; A= 159.83 mg/L, B= 201.33
mg/L and C= 247.33 mg/L. Enterobacter aerogenes was the detected coliform in the water
samples. Most of the physicochemical and microbial analyses conducted on the water samples
were in accordance with the standard procedures. Thus, as a preventive measure to control the
health threat associated with consumption of turbidity and alkaline water, the borehole water
samples should only be used for bathing and washing. As well, the public should be provided
with alternative water source for drinking and cooking purposes.