Microbiological Analysis of Drinking Water in Maiduguri Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Good quality drinking water is one of the major natural resources which is necessary for existence and survival of all living things. This study was aimed to determine the microbiological analysis of drinking water in Maiduguri Metropolis, Nigeria. Six(6) samples were collected from different geographical zones within the studied area, these include; Jajeri (A), Gwange (B), London Ciki (C), Hausari (D), Maduganari (E) and Umarari (F). The microbiological analysis was examined using Most Probable Number (Multiple Tube Fermentation Method) for enumeration of both total coliform and differential Escherichia coli count. The results of the analysis shows that total coliform count ranges from 30-60 cfu/ml, with sample D had the highest coliform count and while the water sample from point F had the lowest coliform count, although, the entire water sample exceeded the standard limit of 0 cfu/ml established by World Health Organization (WHO) and 10cfu/100ml set by Nigeria Standard of Drinking Water Quality(NSDWQ). Also further characterization of the isolates revealed that the samples were contaminated with different pathogenic bacteria such asEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Enterobacterspecies, and Klebsiellaspecies. Therefore, there is need to enlighten the general public about the need for water purification to ensure potability before consumption.