Bacteriological Evaluation Of Groundwater In Ekiti-State Southwestern Nigeria.

Abstract Drinking contaminated groundwater can have serious health effects. Bacterial assessment of groundwater in Ekiti State was carried out to determine its potability and sources of pollutants. Consequently 73 groundwater samples were collected for bacterial analysis and NO3- determination. At each location depth of each well and depth to water table were measured using dipmeter. Temperature C EC Scm and pH were measured in-situ using a multiparameter potable meter model Testr-35. Subsequently the bacteriological analysis was carried out using nutrient agar medium to obtain plate count of living bacteria viable cell count while Coliform count was achieved using a lactose medium inoculated with serial dilution of the sample. Nitrate NO3- concentrations in the groundwater were determined colorimetrically by Spectronic -20 Gallenkamp UK. In situ measurements revealed that pH ranged from 6.0 8.9 av. 6.87 NO3- mgL 1.2 to 19 av. 6.86 mgL while EC1000Scm for all sampled groundwater. Virtually all samples tested positive to bacterial contamination with coliform count ranging from 0 - 8 av. 2.15 cfu100mL and total bacteria count TBC from 2 25 av. 9.42 cfu100ml. The groundwater in the study area is low mineralized fresh water. However it has been polluted bacteriologically arising principally from surface phenomena of improper disposal of wastes and human faeces.