PREVALENCE OF PARASITIC CONTAMINANTS AMONG WELL WATERS USED IN BENIN CITY,EDO STATE
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Abstract
Parasitic contamination of drinking water remains a major public health challenge in
developing regions, where wells serve as primary water sources. These parasites can cause debilitating infections, reduce quality of life, and contribute to high morbidity rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of Micro organisms in well water sources across Benin City, Edo state. A total of 195 wells were sampled and examined using standard parasitological techniques and were analyzed microscopically for the presence of parasites. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 25 and chisquare tests were applied to assess associations between parasite occurrence and location, with statistical significance set al p < 0.05.. Results revealed widespread contamination, with 88.2% of wells harboring at least one parasite. Ascaris was the most prevalent (26.7%), followed by Strongyloides (16.4%) and Entamoeba (12.8%). Giardia lamblia and Hookworm each accounted for 9.2%, while Schistosoma haematobium and Fasciola were least prevalent at 7.2% each. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in parasite distribution across LGAs (p >0.05) except for Schistosoma haematobium, which was significantly associated with a location (p = 0.019). In conclusion, the findings highlight a high burden of parasitic contamination in well waters of Benin City, emphasizing the urgent need for improved water quality management and public health interventions.
developing regions, where wells serve as primary water sources. These parasites can cause debilitating infections, reduce quality of life, and contribute to high morbidity rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of Micro organisms in well water sources across Benin City, Edo state. A total of 195 wells were sampled and examined using standard parasitological techniques and were analyzed microscopically for the presence of parasites. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 25 and chisquare tests were applied to assess associations between parasite occurrence and location, with statistical significance set al p < 0.05.. Results revealed widespread contamination, with 88.2% of wells harboring at least one parasite. Ascaris was the most prevalent (26.7%), followed by Strongyloides (16.4%) and Entamoeba (12.8%). Giardia lamblia and Hookworm each accounted for 9.2%, while Schistosoma haematobium and Fasciola were least prevalent at 7.2% each. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in parasite distribution across LGAs (p >0.05) except for Schistosoma haematobium, which was significantly associated with a location (p = 0.019). In conclusion, the findings highlight a high burden of parasitic contamination in well waters of Benin City, emphasizing the urgent need for improved water quality management and public health interventions.
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