Hence, it is essential to check the
quality of the available drinking water from various sources. In view
of this present study was designed to analyze the microbiological
quality of the available drinking water from various sources like food
stalls, tea stalls, supply water, packaged water to facilitate the
examination of level of contamination and finally hence the risk
associated with their consumption.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The
most common and widespread danger associated with drinking water is
contamination, either directly or indirectly, by sewage, other wastes or
human and animal excrement (WHO, 2004). About 25 years ago,
authoritative estimates indicated that each year some 500 million people
are affected by water-borne or water associated disease, and as many as
10 million of these die (Campbell, 2007). In a recent estimate based on
WHO reports suggests that 80% of all human illnesses in the developing
world are caused by biological contamination (Witt, 2007). Faecal
pollution of drinking water may introduce a variety of intestinal
pathogens. Their presence being related to microbial diseases and
carriers present in the community, which may cause diseases from mild
gastroentritis to severe and sometimes fatal dysentry, cholera or
typhoid.
Other organisms, naturally present in the environment and
not regarded as pathogens, may also cause opportunist disease (WHO,
2004). Ideally, drinking water should not contain any microorganisms
known to be pathogenic. It should be free from bacteria indicative of
pollution with excreta (WHO, 2004). The majority of the population in
developing countries is not adequately supplied with potable water, and
thus obliged to use unsafe water for domestic and drinking purposes
(Feacham, 2008). Malete, a developing community, is also facing a
problem of wholesome water supply.
1.3 Justification of the Research
Water
quality performs an important role in the health of human beings,
animals, and plants. Surface water quality is an essential component of
the natural environment and a matter of serious concern today (Liu et
al., 2011). Rivers and reservoirs play a major role in drinking water,
agricultural use, fishery, and electricity production, so protection of
water quality is a very important issue and it should be kept at
acceptable levels (Venkatesharaju et al., 2010). The variation of water
quality is the essential combination of both anthropogenic (such as
urban, industrial, agricultural activities and the human exploitation of
water sources) and natural contributions (such as precipitation rate,
weathering processes and soil erosion) (Pejman et al., 2009).
Deterioration of lake and river water quality is common in many aquatic
systems and potential causes are usually various including point and
non- point sources of pollution (Pisinaris et al., 2007).
1.4 Aim and Objectives
1.4.1 Aim
The
aim of this study is to investigate the bacteriological and mycological
contamination of domestic water in Malete community, Ilorin, Kwara
State.
1.4.2 Objectives
The specific objectives of this study are:
a. To determine the total coliform density in domestic water in Malete community.
b. To assess the presence of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus faecalis in domestic water in Malete community.
c. To isolate some common fungi in domestic water in Malete community.
1.5 Research Hypotheses (Null)
a. There is no significant difference in the density of coliform in domestic water in Malete community.
b. Domestic water in Malete yielded no significant growth of fungi isolates.
c. Domestic water samples in Malete yielded no significant growth of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus faecalis.
