Bacteriological and Physicochemical Qualities of Some Borehole Waters in Aba South Metropolis, Abia State Nigeria

Microbial qualities of some borehole water in Aba South Metropolis, Abia State were investigated. Thirty borehole water samples were collected in three different zones within the Local Government Area and examined. The physicochemical parameters of the water examined were all within the permissible limit of WHO for drinking water standards. Quantitative examination of microorganisms revealed a total heterotrophic bacterial counts range of 1.0 ? 9.0 x 102 cfu/ml of water in all the boreholes examined. Total coliform counts ranged from 0.8 ? 9.0 x 102 cfu/ml of water. Statistical analysis (P < 0.05) shows that there was no significant difference in the total heterotrophic bacteria counts, and total coliform counts of water in the three zones. The predominant bacteria isolated from the water and biofilms were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus species, Klebsiella pnuemonae, Shigella species and Streptococcus species. The physicochemical and microbial qualities of some of the borehole water show that there are frequent pollution of groundwater by household waste and sewage. The high levels of bacterial counts of water observed in this work show that most of the borehole water is not safe for human consumption. Regular washing of tanks with disinfectants, adequate plumbing systems within public and private buildings and maintenance of public and private environmental sanitation will help to reduce the rate of contamination of ground water and present better portable water for public use.