Bacteriological assessment of Umuahia stream drinking water.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Bacteriolcgical assessment of stream drinking water from various sources in umuahia metropolis
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Access to clean drinking water is a critical issue worldwide, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. This study focuses on the bacteriological assessment of stream water from various sources in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, to evaluate the safety of local water supplies. The overarching goal is to identify potential health risks associated with drinking contaminated water, as the presence of harmful microorganisms can lead to severe waterborne diseases. Using the Multiple Tube Method, the research examines water samples to determine the types and levels of contamination present.
Prevalence of Contaminants
The assessment indicated alarming levels of fecal contamination in the stream water analyzed. Escherichia coli was found to be the predominant organism, contaminating 90% of the stream water samples. Other bacteria, such as Salmonella and Enterobacter species, were also isolated, highlighting a concerning trend of bacterial pollution possibly stemming from poor sanitation and hygiene practices in the area. The study emphasizes the significance of these findings, which indicate not only the immediate presence of pathogens but also imply ongoing and potential health risks for the local population reliant on these water sources.
Consequences of Pollution on Public Health
The presence of coliform bacteria points to the likelihood of more severe pathogens being present in the water, making it unsuitable for human consumption. Waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever can severely impact public health, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly and children. Poor access to safe, treated drinking water directly correlates with increased health-related issues, which burden local healthcare systems and pose a significant economic challenge for communities already struggling with resources.
Environmental Impacts and Local Practices
Urbanization in Umuahia has exacerbated the pollution of local water bodies, as increased human activities, such as improper waste disposal, animal grazing, and inadequate sewage management, contribute to deteriorating water quality. The lack of proper sanitation facilities and ineffective waste management systems have facilitated the contamination of streams and boreholes. This situation is compounded by a general lack of public awareness about the implications of water pollution and hygiene, reinforcing the cycle of health risks related to unsafe water consumption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study conclusively shows that water sources in Umuahia Metropolis are rife with contaminants, primarily due to human activities and insufficient public health measures. The implications for human health and local economic stability are profound, emphasizing the urgent need for effective interventions. Improving sanitation, promoting public awareness, and ensuring stringent regulations on water quality standards are essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with unsafe drinking water. Without substantial efforts to enhance water safety and public health education, the community will remain vulnerable to the pervasive threats posed by waterborne diseases.
Original source:
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Nwandikor Uzoije Ugwuzor, Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Onyenweaku, Florence C
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
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Full text available for: Bacteriolcgical assessment of stream drinking water from various sources in umuahia metropolis
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What were the main findings of the water quality assessment study?
The study found that 90% of stream water samples were contaminated with E. coli, indicating significant faecal pollution. Other pathogens, such as Salmonella and Enterobacter spp., were also identified, raising concerns about the potability of water in Umuahia Metropolis.
How were water samples collected and analyzed in the study?
Ten stream water samples were collected using heat sterilized bottles. The samples were analyzed using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique within five hours of collection to assess bacterial contamination.
What health risks are associated with contaminated drinking water?
Contaminated water can cause serious illnesses like diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, and dysentery, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems.
Why is the water quality especially poor during the rainy season?
Water quality deteriorates in the rainy season due to flooding, which can increase faecal contamination and promote the growth of harmful bacteria, leading to greater health risks for consumers.
What causes water pollution in Umuahia Metropolis?
Pollution sources include improper waste disposal, agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and poor sanitation practices. Urbanization has exacerbated these issues, compromising the safety of drinking water sources.
What measures are recommended to improve water quality in the region?
Improving sanitation practices, ensuring regular water treatment, and raising public awareness about hygiene are vital. Robust government oversight of water sources and infrastructure is essential to mitigate pollution risks.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Bacteriological assessment of Umuahia stream drinking water.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Water:
Water is essential for life, constituting about 70% of the human body and playing a critical role in biological and chemical processes. Access to safe drinking water is vital for maintaining health and preventing waterborne diseases, which arise from contaminated water sources. The quality of water is crucial for public health.
2) Disease:
Disease refers to any abnormal condition affecting the body, often resulting from pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In the context of the text, waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera, frequently arise from consuming unsafe water, posing significant health risks, particularly in developing nations.
3) Quality:
Quality, in this context, refers to the safety and purity of drinking water. High-quality water should be tasteless, odorless, and free from harmful microorganisms. Poor water quality can lead to serious health issues, making water quality assessments essential for public health and safety.
4) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygienic practices are essential for maintaining water quality and overall public health. Ensuring hygienic methods of water sourcing, handling, and storage helps prevent contamination, thereby reducing the risk of waterborne diseases in communities.
5) Surface:
Surface water refers to water bodies like rivers and streams that are easily accessible but highly prone to contamination. The quality of surface water is often impacted by human activity, including agricultural runoff and waste disposal, making it essential to monitor for pathogens that can affect health.
6) Table:
In this context, table refers to organized data presentation (e.g., a data table showing the levels of organisms in water samples). Such tables are crucial for understanding the bacteriological analysis results, helping identify contamination levels and associated health risks in different water sources.
7) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom of many infectious diseases, including those caused by contaminated water. The presence of pathogens in drinking water can lead to illnesses characterized by fever, nausea, and dehydration, emphasizing the importance of access to safe drinking water to prevent such illnesses.
8) Pur:
In this context, poor refers to inadequate or substandard conditions, such as insufficient access to clean water and sanitation. Poor water quality and hygiene practices lead to a higher prevalence of waterborne diseases, negatively impacting public health, particularly in underserved communities.
9) Life:
Life is intrinsically linked to the availability of safe drinking water. Access to clean water is fundamental for survival, supporting physiological processes in the human body. Waterborne diseases, prevalent due to contaminated water, adversely affect health and can lead to significant mortality.
10) Animal:
Animals, particularly those in proximity to water sources, can contribute to the contamination of drinking water through waste. Livestock waste can introduce harmful pathogens into water bodies, posing health risks to humans who consume contaminated water or surface runoff from agricultural activities.
11) Food:
Food safety closely ties into water quality, as contaminated water used in food preparation can lead to health issues. Proper handling of water in agricultural practices is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses, highlighting the connection between clean water access and overall food safety.
12) Agriculture:
Agriculture substantially impacts water quality, contributing to pollution through runoff containing fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste. Poor agricultural practices can lead to the contamination of nearby water bodies, posing risks of waterborne diseases and affecting human health and food supply.
13) Substance:
Substances refer to the various chemicals and microorganisms present in water. Contaminants such as pathogens, heavy metals, and organic compounds can significantly affect water safety. Identifying harmful substances in drinking water is critical for ensuring public health and preventing waterborne diseases.
14) Account:
Account, in this context, can refer to a narrative or report detailing findings from water quality assessments. Such accounts are vital for understanding pollution levels and tracking changes in water quality over time, serving as a basis for public health recommendations and policies.
15) Manure:
Manure is agricultural waste that can introduce pathogens and nutrients into surface water. Runoff from fields where manure is applied can lead to contamination of drinking water sources, making it essential to manage manure application to protect water quality and prevent disease transmission.
16) Surrounding:
Surrounding environments play a crucial role in water contamination. Factors such as urbanization and inadequate waste disposal in surrounding areas can lead to the pollution of nearby water sources, necessitating careful monitoring and management to safeguard public health.
17) Developing:
Developing countries often face significant challenges in providing access to clean drinking water. High rates of urbanization and inadequate infrastructure can lead to increased contamination and health risks from waterborne diseases, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve water quality.
18) Container:
Containers, especially those used for storing or packaging water, must be hygienic to prevent contamination. Unsafe containers can harbor bacteria or leach harmful chemicals into the water supply, underscoring the importance of using proper materials for water storage.
19) Entering:
Entering refers to the process of pathogens or contaminants infiltrating water supplies. Contamination can occur through various channels, including agricultural runoff or sewage overflow, making it crucial to monitor and prevent factors that allow harmful substances to enter drinking water.
20) Purity:
Purity indicates the state of being free from contaminants. In terms of drinking water, purity is vital for ensuring safety and preventing health risks associated with waterborne diseases. Regular evaluations of water purity are necessary to maintain public health standards.
21) Nature:
Nature, in this context, refers to the natural environment and its resources, including water. Protecting the natural sources of water from pollution is essential for preserving water purity and ensuring safe drinking water, which is vital for human health.
22) Medium:
Medium refers to the environment in which waterborne pathogens thrive. Water serves as a medium for various microorganisms, making it critical to monitor and manage water quality to prevent the spread of diseases associated with contaminated water supplies.
23) Sugar:
Sugar, in this context, can refer to biochemical tests related to water quality assessments. Testing for sugar fermentation by bacteria can help identify specific pathogens, such as E. coli, providing essential data for understanding contamination levels in water samples.
24) Death:
Death can occur as a severe consequence of consuming contaminated water. Waterborne diseases lead to high mortality rates, particularly in vulnerable populations, making access to clean drinking water essential for reducing preventable deaths worldwide.
25) Earth:
The earth possesses finite freshwater resources essential for human survival. However, a significant portion of this freshwater is contaminated, emphasizing the need for sustainable management and protection of water sources to ensure access to clean water for all.
26) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation of water quality and its implications for public health. Assessing the bacteriological quality of water sources in urban areas is crucial for understanding contamination levels and implementing measures to improve access to safe drinking water.
27) Tank:
Tanks, particularly water storage tanks, must be maintained properly to prevent contamination. Poorly constructed or maintained tanks can harbor pathogens, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and highlighting the importance of regular inspection and sanitation measures.
28) Line:
Line refers to limitations or boundaries, for instance, the safety limits set for microbial counts in drinking water. Exceeding acceptable bacterial levels poses health risks, necessitating continuous monitoring to maintain water quality and protect public health.
29) Drug:
Drug development and distribution can be influenced by water quality, especially concerning waterborne illnesses. Access to safe water reduces the incidence of diseases that require medical treatment, thereby affecting drug consumption and public health dynamics.
30) Human body:
The human body is highly dependent on water for hydration, digestion, and various physiological processes. Water quality directly affects overall health; contaminated water can lead to infections, significantly impacting bodily functions and posing risks of disease.
31) Salt water:
Saltwater, constituting about 97.5% of the earth’s water, is not suitable for drinking. The unavailability of potable water due to the prevalence of saltwater emphasizes the critical need for effective water management and purification methods for human sustenance.
32) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation refers to changes in water quality or the condition of water supplies due to environmental factors. Urbanization and agricultural runoff can lead to a transformation of formerly clean water sources into contaminated ones, necessitating ongoing monitoring and intervention.
33) Transmission:
Transmission in waterborne diseases involves the spread of pathogens through contaminated water sources. Understanding transmission routes is essential for implementing preventive measures to protect community health and reduce disease outbreaks associated with water quality issues.
34) Observation:
Observation encompasses the careful monitoring of water quality and microbial presence. Regular observation is essential to identify contamination trends in water supplies and implement necessary interventions for maintaining safe drinking water in communities.
35) Discussion:
Discussion involves analyzing findings related to water quality and public health. Engaging in discussions about the implications of water contamination fosters awareness and encourages actions to improve drinking water safety and sanitation practices.
36) Education:
Education plays a crucial role in promoting awareness about the importance of safe water consumption, hygiene practices, and sanitation. Educating communities about the health risks associated with waterborne diseases can lead to improved behaviors and safer water usage.
37) Suffering:
Suffering from waterborne diseases often causes significant physical distress and can have long-term implications for health and well-being. Addressing water quality issues is essential to reducing suffering caused by illnesses transmitted through contaminated water supplies.
38) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a common symptom associated with waterborne diseases caused by pathogens in contaminated water. Recognizing vomiting as a symptom highlights the potential health risks of unsafe water and underscores the need for safe drinking water supplies.
39) Epidemic:
An epidemic can occur when waterborne diseases spread rapidly through contaminated water supplies, affecting large populations. Monitoring water quality is crucial for preventing outbreaks and ensuring public health, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices.
40) Servant:
In this context, servant may refer to workers in the water supply sector or those responsible for ensuring safe drinking water. Their roles are vital for maintaining water quality and protecting public health, emphasizing the importance of proper training and resources.
41) Cancer:
Cancer risk can be influenced by long-term exposure to contaminated water. Certain chemical pollutants found in water can lead to health issues, including cancer, highlighting the need for monitoring and regulation of drinking water quality.
42) Nausea:
Nausea is a symptom commonly associated with infections resulting from consuming contaminated water. Understanding nausea as an indicator of potential waterborne illnesses emphasizes the importance of access to safe drinking water to prevent health risks.
43) Reason:
Reason touches on the need for understanding the factors that contribute to water contamination. Identifying the underlying reasons behind poor water quality is essential for developing effective strategies to improve water safety and reduce health risks.
44) Street:
Streets may be a source of water contamination due to improper waste disposal practices. Surface runoff from streets can introduce pollutants into nearby water bodies, making it crucial to implement better waste management and sanitation measures in urban areas.
45) Glass:
Glass can be relevant in the context of water testing, as laboratory glassware is often used in water quality assessment. Clean and properly maintained glass equipment is essential for accurate testing of water samples and ensuring reliable results.
46) Storm:
Storms can exacerbate water contamination by causing runoff that carries pollutants into water sources. Heavy rains can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to the influx of untreated sewage or agricultural runoff, which poses risks to drinking water quality.
47) Money:
Money relates to the economic burden of seeking safe drinking water and dealing with the health consequences of waterborne diseases. Communities often spend significant resources on water, underscoring the need for affordable, accessible safe water solutions.
48) House:
Houses, especially in urban areas, may be at risk if built near polluted water sources. Inadequate sanitary infrastructure can contribute to water contamination, making it essential to consider residential planning in efforts to improve water quality.
49) Salt (Salty):
Salt, especially in excess, can contaminate freshwater sources, affecting water quality. High salinity levels can be detrimental to both human health and ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of monitoring and protecting freshwater sources from pollutants.
50) Bile:
Bile, in this context, relates to the biochemical testing of water for contamination by pathogens. The presence of bile salts in water testing can indicate contamination with fecal material, pointing to the need for immediate actions to improve water quality.
51) Heap:
Heap can refer to piles of waste or refuse that can contaminate nearby water sources. Proper waste management is critical for preventing soil and water contamination, underscoring the need for effective sanitation practices in communities.
52) Worm:
Worms, particularly parasitic species, can be a concern in relation to waterborne diseases. Contaminated water can serve as a transmission route for parasitic infections, necessitating efforts to ensure access to clean drinking water to prevent such diseases.
53) Soil:
Soil plays a significant role in water quality, as contaminants from improperly managed land can leach into groundwater or surface water. Understanding soil's role in the water cycle highlights the importance of environmental stewardship in maintaining clean water supplies.