Abstract

Eighteen samples, consisting of six samples each, from three different locations that were 250, 500 and 750 away from the drinking water source in Delta State University, Abraka Campus, were collected and analyzed for their microbial and chemical quality using standard methods. Total viable counts were carried out using the pour plate method, while the most probable number was determined with the multiple tube fermentation technique. The total viable counts increased with distance away from the water source and were high for all the water samples, exceeding the 2.0 Log₁₀cfu/ml set limit for drinking water. The isolated organisms were Micrococcus sp., Chromobacterium sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylocosus aureus. Chemical parameters analyzed were pH, chloride, alkalinity, carbon-dioxide, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, total hardness, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and total solids. The results obtained from each parameter were compared with the quality standard for drinking water laid down by the World Health Organisation and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), Nigeria. The analyses revealed that there were increases in some of the parameters with distance away from the water source while some of the parameters studied were within the approved standard, others were above or below. It is thus imperative for our drinking water to be properly treated prior to consumption.

Key words: Water, microbial, chemical, parameters, standards.