Assessment of Coliform Plate Count as an Indicator of Sachet Water Contamination Sold in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State

Student: Clinton Ogbebor (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the coliform bacteria contamination of five sachet-packed water samples (labelled OEA to OEE), sold in Owan East LGA of Edo State, Nigeria. Eosin methylene Blue agar (EMB) was used in the study which adopted pour plate technique. The result of the coliform bacteria count indicated sample OEA and OEB exhibited the highest coliform bacterial load (3.0 – 3.1 × 101 cfu/ml). Sample OEB had the highest turbidity reading (7 NTU), followed by samples OEA and OEC (5 NTU), and OED and OEE (4 NTU). Sample OEA and OEB's elevated CBC indicate fecal contamination and suboptimal hygiene practices. The pH values ranged from 5.3 (sample OEB) to 5.9 (sample OEE), with all samples being slightly acidic. The acidity may have contributed to bacterial growth, particularly in sample OEB. Turbidity levels were highest in sample OEB (7 NTU), exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 5 NTU for drinking water, raising concerns about the presence of suspended particles or microbial contamination. These findings depicts the importance of stringent water treatment processes and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and quality of sachet-packed water.

Keywords
ASSESSMENT COLIFORM PLATE COUNT INDICATOR SACHET WATER CONTAMINATION SOLD
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