DRINKING WATER

Access to safe drinking water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases and maintaining public health, particularly in high-density living environments such as student hostels. This study assesses the microbial quality of water from Osasogie Hostel, Osasogie, Benin City, Nigeria, to determine contamination levels and potential health risks. Water samples were collected from a bore-hole and an overhead GeePee tank and analyzed using the membrane filtration method to detect the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), total coliform bacteria, and fungi. The results revealed E. coli counts of 1 CFU in borehole water and 3 CFU in the overhead GPee tank, indicating fecal contamination and potential exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Total coliform bacteria were found at 3 CFU in borehole water and 7 CFU in the overhead tank, suggesting inadequate water sanitation and possible environmental contamination. Additionally, fungi counts were higher in the overhead tank (4 CFU) compared to the borehole water (2 CFU), indicating poor storage conditions, biofilm formation, or organic matter accumulation.
The findings underscore the urgent need for improved water management practices, regular microbiological monitoring, and proper disinfection methods to ensure safe drinking water. Recommended interventions include chlorination, filtration, UV disinfection, and frequent cleaning of storage tanks to prevent microbial proliferation. Public health awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate hostel residents on safe water handling and sanitation practices. Implementing these measures will help mitigate contamination risks and protect students from waterborne illnesses

This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a Bio Sand Filter (BSF) for treating turbid surface water. The BSF was tested using water collected from the Ovia River in Benin City during the rainy season. Results showed significant improvements in water quality, with reductions in total coliforms, E. coli, turbidity, and chemical contaminants, and adjustments to pH levels. Thus, 80% reduction in total coliforms (from 25 CFU/100mL to 5 CFU/100mL), 90% reduction in E. coli (from 10 CFU/100mL to 1 CFU/100mL), 75% reduction in turbidity (from 30 NTU to 5 NTU). The treated water met or exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 standards for safe drinking water. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the BSF as a cost-effective and sustainable technology for improving water quality, particularly in regions with limited access to centralized water treatment facilities. Recommendations include encouraging BSF adoption, ongoing research and development, establishing monitoring and maintenance programs, regular water quality testing, advocacy for government and NGO support, and public awareness campaigns to ensure universal access to safe drinking water.

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health challenge in rural communities of Nigeria. This study assessed the microbial quality and potential health risks associated with drinking water from multiple sources in Orhionmwon Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State. A total of five water samples were collected, comprising two boreholes, two hand-dug wells, and Ikpe River Samples were analysed using the pour plate method for total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and fungi, followed by biochemical identification of isolates. Results revealed bacterial loads ranging from 13 cfu/ml in borehole samples to 5.9 × 10³ cfu/ml in river water, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) limit of 500 cfu/ml for drinking water. E. coli and coliforms were detected in the river and one well sample, indicating fecal contamination, while borehole water remained within permissible standards. Isolated bacterial species included Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., and E. coli, while fungal isolates comprised Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp., and Rhodotorula spp. The presence of these organisms, particularly fecal indicators and opportunistic pathogens, underscores potential risks of waterborne infections in the area. The study highlights the need for regular microbial surveillance, improved sanitation practices, and promotion of household water treatment methods such as boiling or chlorination to ensure safe drinking water and protect community health.

Access to clean and safe water is essential for human health and sustainable development. This study assessed the physicochemical properties of water obtained from tap, well, and river sources in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, to evaluate their quality and suitability for domestic use. Parameters such as pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total solids (TS), total hardness, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate, and heavy metals (lead, chromium, and cadmium) were analyzed. Results showed that most parameters were within the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS, 2015). However, cadmium concentrations in tap and well water slightly exceeded recommended values, indicating possible contamination from waste or corroded materials. A structured Questionnaire administered to residents revealed that most residents depend on borehole water, do not treat their water and have limited awareness of contamination risks. The study therefore recommends regular monitoring, improved sanitation, and community education to ensure safe and sustainable water quality in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area