Bacteriological Analysis of River Water in Oriade/Obokun Local Government, Osun-State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigates the bacteriological composition of the Oriade/Obokun stream water, specifically focusing on Iwoye Ijesa and Ijebu Jesa. The study encompasses an analysis of water sources, usage patterns, pollution sources, and the identification of waterborne bacterial pathogens. Water samples were collected and subjected to laboratory examination for the identification of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria using a microscope. The results revealed the presence of various pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, V. cholerae, Shigella spp, and Campylobacter. Notably, E. coli emerged as the predominant coliform, typically associated with fecal contamination. The detection of Vibrio cholerae signals inadequate sanitation practices, while the presence of other pathogenic bacteria raises concerns about public health implications such as gastro-intestinal infections, diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid. The findings suggest a correlation between the identified waterborne pathogens and improper waste disposal, water source contamination through sewage and surface run-off. The study underscores the potential threat and risk of waterborne epidemics posed by bacterial contamination in the Oriade/Obokun stream water. Consequently, water supply authorities are urged to acknowledge this situation and implement measures to ensure the provision of contamination-free drinking water, thereby mitigating the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks in the Iwoye Ijesa and Ijebu Jesa communities.