Authors: Anthonia David, Elvis Obi Besong, Shella Obi Besong, Blessing Imade, Olawuyi Boluwatife Comfort, Oluwatimilehin Sileola Johnson, Moses Sunkanmi Oladokun, Micheal Abimbola Oladosu, Moses Adondua Abah, Stephen Zakka Bayero, Adedapo Olosunde, Mesoma Princess Onyekwere
Abstract: Water is a critical resource for human survival, and ensuring its safety for consumption is paramount. The study was carried out to assess the bacteriological quality of reservoir water in Mairi Kuwait and its potential implications for public health. The investigation revealed a diverse range of characteristics in the morphological quality of 50 water samples, indicating significant variability in microbial contamination. The presence of pathogenic organisms, including Klebsiella pneumonia which has the highest occurrence with 40%, Staphylococcus aureus with 26%, Escherichia coli with 20.8%, Salmonella typhi, with 6.6% and Proteus bulgarus 6.6% respectively was identified, highlighting the unsuitability of this water for human consumption. The study demonstrated a correlation between high heterotrophic counts and coliform counts, suggesting the presence of fecal coliforms. The proximity of a pit latrine to one of the boreholes, combined with unsanitary environmental conditions around the water source, likely contributed to elevated microbial contamination. The water samples were found to be slightly acidic, falling within the acceptable pH range recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive water quality management strategies to mitigate microbial contamination and ensure the health and safety of the local population. Adherence to international and national water quality standards is imperative to safeguard public health. The findings presented here provide a basis for informed decision-making and targeted interventions to improve the quality of reservoir water in Mairi Kuwait and protect the well-being of the community.
Keywords: Water quality, Bacteriological assessment, Microbial contamination, Heterotrophic count, Sanitary conditions.