Physicochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Ikogosi Warm Water Spring

Abstract

Introduction: Water is one of the indispensable natural resources for the continued existence of all living things including man. Aims: This study investigated the bacterial diversity in Ikogosi warm spring in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methodology: Water samples were taken for analyses from Ikogosi warm spring and analyses were made of the hot stream, cold stream, and meeting point region. Twenty isolates were characterized by morphological, biochemical, physiological characteristics and thermophilic screening was carried out. Results: The results revealed that electrical conductivity was 215.050 μmS/cm, (cold); 320.500 μmS/cm (warm), and 305 μmS/cm (meeting point), temperature was close (24.5oC, cold to 37oC, warm). pH, total dissolved solids and chlorine were all far below the WHO guideline values. Average ranges of the heavy metals in water samples were: 1.080, 0.424 and 0.343 ppm iron (Fe) in hot, cold and meeting point samples respectively, 0.010, 0.006 and 0.004 ppm lead (Pb) in hot, cold and meeting point samples respectively; and 0.006, 0.010 and 0.019 ppm chromium (Cr) in hot, cold and meeting point samples respectively. Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) were not detected. Bacteria majorly found in water samples were Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. Out of the twenty (20) isolates screened at high temperature range of 45oC to 65oC, all grew at 45oC and 50oC while nine (9) grew at 55oC. Only two isolates were able to survive at 60oC, while none grew at 65oC. Conclusion: These isolates can be in the production of thermostable enzymes which can be used in biotechnology.