O. N. IGIEHON

Bacterial and fungal contaminations of borehole water in school hostels is a prevalent issue, particularly in regions where boreholes serve as primary water sources and hygiene practices may be challenging to maintain. This study was aimed at assessing the microbial contamination of water in student’s residential halls in University of Benin, Benin City. The bacterial isolates were characterized and identified using morphological and biochemical methods. The percentage distribution and frequency of the isolates were evaluated using statistical method. From the result obtained in this study, the total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 4.46 log10 cfu/ml to 4.86 log10 cfu/ml, Coliform count ranged from 2.84 to 3.13 log10 cfu/ml and fungal counts ranged from 4.40 to 4.85 log10 cfu/ml. Using the cultural, morphological and biochemical test, the isolates obtained in this study include, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Citrobacter, Enterobacter sp, Bjerkandera sp, Aureobasidium sp, Scedosporium sp, and Mucor
sp. The contamination of borehole water in school hostels by various bacterial and fungal pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Bjerkandera sp, Aureobasidium sp, Scedosporium sp, and Mucor sp, presents serious public health risks. These microorganisms, arising from fecal contamination, soil infiltration, and environmental factors, can cause a range of infections, from gastrointestinal illnesses to skin, respiratory, and systemic diseases.