*1Mustapha, G;1Mudassiru, S; 1Hindatu, I; 2Shamsudeen, S; 3Usman and 4Lawal, N.
*1Department of Microbiology, Sokoto State University
2Department of Microbiology, Bayero University Kano
3Department of Microbiology,Federal University of Technology,Minna
4Department of Biology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author’s Email: mustapha.gami@ssu.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.special.003
ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical analysis of borehole water in Dange/Shuni Local Government Area, Sokoto. A total of six (6) water samples were collected from Dange/Shuni Local Government from six different borehole water sources in Tuntube-Tsefe, Shuni, Rikina, Dange, Wababe and Fajaldu borehole Dange/Shuni LGA. The physicochemical parameters of the borehole water, including colour, odour, taste, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride, nitrate, calcium, and magnesium contents, were analysedanalysed using standard laboratory procedures. The bacteriological analysis was carried out using the multiple-tube (most probable number) technique for the enumeration of both total coliform count and faecal coliform count. The sample was also isolated and identified using biochemical tests. Fungal isolation and identification were also carried out using standard techniques. The results of this study have shown that the physicochemical parameters analysed were within the standard limits, except for temperature, magnesium, and calcium contents. The total bacterial count ranged from 1.2 × 10^5 CFU/mL to 3.4 × 10^5 CFU/mL, which exceeds the WHO limit. The microbiological analysis also revealed the presence of bacterial and fungal species, which include: Staphylococcus aureus (16.7%), Escherichia coli (16.7%), and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (33.3%), Bacillus subtilis (33.3%), while fungal species include Aspergillus flavus (33.3%), Endomyces (16.66%), Aspergillusniger (16.66%) and Rhizopus (16.66%). In conclusion, the pathogenic microorganisms identified in Wababeborehole water, along with the high microbial load observed, make it unsuitable for drinking purposes. Thus, there is a need to create awareness about the current situation of the wash boreholes and the necessity for further treatment by consumers, before they can be used for both drinking and domestic purposes.
Bacteria,
Fungi,
Borehole,
Dange-Shuni
.

