Water Quality Index And Bacteriological Assessment Of Selected Sources Of Drinking Water In Futo Campus, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Water quality assessment is essential in determining the suitability of drinking water sources for human consumption. The research aims evaluates the Water Quality Index (WQI) and bacterial load in drinking water sources in FUTO campus hostels, Owerri, Imo State.

Research Method: Water samples were collected from selected hostels and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Physicochemical parameters measured included temperature (°C), pH, color (PCU), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity (NTU), total suspended solid (mg/L), total solids (mg/L) and ammonia (NH₃) (mg/L).

Findings: The results revealed that most physicochemical parameters were within World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) permissible limits, with pH (8.2-8.5), conductivity (14-157 µS/cm), and TDS (9.10-102.05 mg/L) indicating good water quality. However, bacteriological analysis showed the presence of total coliforms (up to 30 cfu/100ml) and Klebsiella spp. (up to 73 cfu/100ml), though E. coli and fecal coliforms were absent.

Originality: The WQI values classified the water as generally unfit for drinking and the detected microbial contaminants pose potential to public health if not properly treated. The study recommends regular monitoring, effective water disinfection methods, and improved water storage infrastructure to prevent microbial contamination