Microbial Analysis of Selected Table Water Sold in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State

Abstract Provision of portable drinking water is of public health concern especially in developing countries where this is unavailable. Microbes are unbiquitous and are known to contaminate materials including food and water. Presence of coliform is an indication of water contamination. Microbial contamination cannot be detected by aided eyes, smell or taste. A basic laboratory test is the best way to tell if coliform organisms are present as they can be there with no appearance or taste difference. The microbiological quality of drinking water (DW) in Kaura Namoda was examined. A total of 5 brands of sachet water labeled A, B, C, D and E were bought from water vendors, and were examined for total, total coliform, total bacteria load and gram reaction. The result of presumptive coliform count (MPN/100 ml) of isolate shows that all the samples have MPN 1.8/100 ml coliform count. The total bacterial count (CPU/ML) showed that sample A has 1.4x106 , Sample B has 35.0x107, Samlpe C has 0.0x105 , Sample D has 3.4x106 and Samle E has 20. 0x107.Also the gram reaction using EMB agar indicated that all the samples were gram negative and short rod. The coliform might have contaminated the water from the environment. These microbes found in the drinking water sources are known to cause several diseases. The present study suggests that drinking water sources should be properly treated prior to consumption using appropriate methods; so as to reduce the occurrence of waterborne diseases.