Water occupies about 75% of the earth surface, yet access to portable water remains the most daunting task for
everyone due to its frequent contamination. The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of water
samples from Okokpon River was determined on a monthly basis between October, 2011 and May, 2012.
Routine laboratory procedures were employed in water analyses. The physicochemical parameters recorded
were all lower than SON and WHO limit except turbidity (1.73±0.33 to 7.42±1.51NTU), iron (0.76±0.15 to
1.35±0.27mg/l) and lead (0.76±0.15 to 1.35±0.27). Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, alkalinity,
potassium and total hardness showed significant difference (p < 0.05) at the downstream. The heterotrophic
bacterial and fungal counts ranged from 2.16 to 5.89 ×105cfu/ml and 3.01 to 3.69×105cfu/ml respectively with
the highest at downstream which also had a significant difference for the heterotrophic bacterial counts
(P<0.05). The coliform and Escherichia coli counts ranged from 35 to 180 MPN/100ml and 6 to 50 MPN/100ml
respectively with the highest at the midstream. Enterobacter aerogenes and Aspergillus niger had the highest
frequency of occurrence, 5.56% and 7.82% for bacterial and fungal isolates at midstream and upstream
respectively. Plasmids were detected in Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter
and Streptococcus species which ranged from 2027bp to 23130bp. The water had higher turbidity, iron, lead
and microbial values than the SON and WHO limits. Therefore, it is not suitable for drinking except treatment
by at least boiling. Members of the community are advised to halt indiscriminate pollution of the water body
to prevent further contamination.
Download Staff Profile