Abstract

Quality water supply is a major challenge to the world populace over the last few centuries due to the alarming concern of diseases outbreak caused by the consumption of contaminated water. This study consists of the bacteriological and physiochemical assessment of water sample gotten from the Obazagbon River, Edo State, Nigeria. Three (3) samples (1 sample from upstream, 1 from midstream and 1 from the downstream) were collected from the river and analyses were carried out using standard procedures. Values consisted of results obtained for the pH (6.57-7.03), temperature (26-280C), electrical conductivity (82- 90), total dissolved solids (30.0- 50.37mg/l), dissolved oxygen (2.32-5.24mg/l), biological oxygen demand (0.12- 2.26mg/l), turbidity (0.35-0.76mg/l), phosphate (0.60-1.2mg/l), nitrate (2.20-4.45mg/l), sulphate (2.85-5.84mg/l). The results obtained revealed a heterotrophic plate count ranging from 1.46 x 102 to 3. 81 x 106. A total number of 14 bacteria isolates were obtained from the water samples, out of which Bacillus cereus had the highest percentage frequency of occurrence of 28.57%, while Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., Listeria sp and Clostridium sp had the least percentage frequency of 28.56% altogether. All isolates were found present in all samples from the river. This study revealed a microbial load higher than the acceptable limit as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). Thus, it is advised that water from this river should be treated properly before consumption.