MICROBIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF UNDERGROUND WATER SOURCE (WELL-WATER) AT CAMPUS 3

The examination of underground source (well water) at campus 3 of IMT Enugu was carried out, by using ten samples of the water sample. For viable plate count for presence of pathogenic organisms and organisms indicating organic matter pollution, plating technique of poor plates were used. Also presence of coliform groups and escheriachria coli were examined using presumptive coliform, test confirmatory and completed test techniques. The media used included nutrient agar, macconkey agar, and brilliant green bile agar, maccnokey broth and brilliant green bile broth. The total viable plate count gave 5 CFU per each for pathogenic organisms indicating organic matter pollution whereas the presumptive test showed the presence of coliform groups in eight samples out of ten samples and presence of escherichria coli in seven samples out of ten. The comfirmatory tests showed the presence of coliforms groups in six samples out of ten and presence of E. coli in four samples out of ten. 

Whereas, the completed test gave the highest coliform count of 2 CFU in one sample and 1 CFU each in three samples, while only one sample out of ten gave 1 CFU for E. coli count. And the mean count for coliform, for the completed test was 0.6 CFU. The results indicated the presence of coliforms and E. coli, but the microbial load was minimal in all the tests. Therefore, the underground water source (well water) at campus 3 of IMT, Enugu is not fit for drinking though can be used for washing clothes and bathing.

Title Page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Contents

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Aim and objectives of the study

1.2 Hypothesis

1.3 Significance of the study

1.4 Statement of the problem

1.5 Limitation 

2.0 Literature review

2.1 History of water purification

2.2 Sources of water

2.3 Underground water contamination

2.4 Biodegradation

2.5 Underground water/water protection

3.0 Materials and Method

3.1 Materials (see appendix)   

3.2 Methods 

3.2.1 Sterilization

3.2.2 Collection of well water samples

3.2.3 Preparation of culture media

3.2.4 Plating techniques for water analysis

3.2.5 Microbial count, gram staining and microscopic examination

4.0 Total viable count

4.1 Presumptive test

4.2 Confirmatory test

4.3 Completed test

5.0 Discussion

6.0 Conclusion 

6.1 Recommendations