Assessment of the Bacteriological and Physicochemical Quality of Water in Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
Daudu Emmanuel Solomon, Igbo Emmanuel Gabriel, Caleb Favour Rimamshong
Abstract
This study evaluated the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of borehole water in Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from five borehole locations within the university (Administrative Block, Cafeteria, Female Hostel, Staff School, and Male Hostel) and analyzed using standard microbiological and physicochemical methods. Bacteriological analysis revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis. Total viable bacterial counts in all borehole samples were too numerous to count (TNTC), indicating heavy microbial contamination. Among the isolates, E. coli had the highest frequency of occurrence (38.1%), followed by S. aureus (33.3%), B. subtilis (19.0%), and P. aeruginosa (9.5%). Physicochemical parameters such as pH (6.9–8.1), turbidity (0.18–0.69 NTU), total dissolved solids (25.4–31.0 mg/L), conductivity (4.67– 5.33 S/m), and temperature (20.8–25.6 °C) were within WHO and SON permissible limits, whereas dissolved oxygen (0.41–0.55 mg/L) was significantly lower than recommended standards. The results indicate that although physicochemical qualities were largely acceptable, the high bacterial contamination renders the borehole water unsafe for direct human consumption. The study concludes that all borehole water sources in Federal University Wukari are microbiologically unfit for drinking without treatment. It is therefore recommended that regular monitoring, proper disinfection, and improved borehole construction and maintenance practices be adopted to safeguard public health within the university community.
Keywords
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