Assessment of bacterial contamination of wells and boreholes in selected students’ hostels in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water is crucial for public health, yet many students rely on potentially contaminated wells and boreholes. which can lead to serious health issues. Understanding bacterial contamination levels is essential for effective interventions, ensuring students well-being. This study assesses the bacterial contamination of water in wells and boreholes at selected students hostels in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, focusing on total microbial load, total coliform counts, and the prevalence of specific bacterial species. A total of sixteen water samples were analyzed, revealing microbial load counts ranging from 1.7x10² CFU/ml to 2.78x10³ CFU/ml in well water and 2.0x10² CFU/ml to 1.87x10³CFU/ml in borehole water. Mean microbial loads were notable higher in well water (890±317.478 CFU/ml) than in borehole water (525±197.935 CFU/ml), but no significant difference existed between the two sources (F=0.9518, P=0.3458). Both sources remained below the WHO safe limit for recreational water (2300 CFU/ml). Total coliform counts were within safety limit for borehole water (1.25±1.25 CFU/ml) but exceeded WHO safe limits of 126 CFU/ml for well water, with means of 318.75±223.178 CFU/ml. Biochemical identification revealed five bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, and Proteus mirabilis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent, found in 25% of samples, while Enterobacter aerogenes was least, detected in only 6.25% of samples. This study highlights the significant public health risks associated with bacterial contamination in university water sources, and underscores the need for regular monitoring and management efforts to ensure water quality and public health safety for hostel residents.