Public Health Assessment of Microbial Contamination in Well and River Water Sources in North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Access to microbiologically safe water is essential for the prevention of waterborne diseases. In many communities, wells and rivers remain important sources of domestic water, but these sources may be vulnerable to microbial contamination.Objective: This study assessed the microbial contamination and public-health quality of well and river water sources in North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.Methods: A total of 200 water samples were examined, comprising 100 samples each from well and river sources. Samples were assessed for microbial contamination, bacterial isolates, and faecal indicator organisms. Well-water characteristics, including presence of covers, lining and drainage, were also assessed in relation to contamination status.Results: Microbial contamination was detected in 77.5% of the water samples. River water had a higher contamination rate of 88.0% compared with 67.0% (67/100) for well water. Escherichia coli was the most frequently recovered bacterial isolate, occurring in (40.5%) samples, followed by Klebsiella spp. (31.0%), Pseudomonas spp. (27.5%), Enterobacter spp. (23.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (19.5%), Salmonella spp. (14.0%) and Shigella spp. (10.0%). Total coliforms were detected in 72.5% of samples, while faecal coliforms occurred in 62.0%. River water recorded higher levels of total coliforms (84.0%), faecal coliforms (76.0%) and E. coli (49.0%) than well water (61.0%, 48.0% and 32.0%, respectively). Among wells, contamination was higher in uncovered wells (80.0%), unlined wells (86.8%) and wells without drainage (79.7%) than in covered (51.1%), lined (54.8%) and drained wells (48.8%), respectively. Overall, only 22.5% of the samples were classified as safe/acceptable, while 77.5% were contaminated.Conclusion: Well and river water sources in North Bank, Makurdi, showed substantial microbial contamination, with river water presenting a greater contamination burden than well water. The detection of faecal indicator organisms and enteric bacterial pathogens highlights potential public-health risks to consumers. Improved protection of wells, provision of adequate drainage, routine microbiological monitoring, sanitation measures and appropriate treatment of water before consumption are recommended.