Isolation and Identification of Escherichia Coli from Unringed Well Water from Iree Township

ABSTRACT

Water is the most important potable material with the highest consumption rate. Therefore, because of the growing population, providing healthy water always has been one if the major concerns for most countries. Water contamination tests are carried out based on indicator microorganisms. Waterborne diseases remain a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing regions where access to safe drinking water is limited. This study focus on the isolation and identification of E. coli as indicator of faecal coliform from unring water as its present indicate that the water is recently polluted with faecal matter. E coli is the most important indicator for the detection of water contamination. E. coli are almost commensals and rarely can cause diseases in immune deficiency people. This study aimed at assessing the presence of Escherichia coli from unringed well water in Iree community. The sample was collected from above identified water source and was subjected to bacteriological quality test. Media selective to coliform were used which are MacConkey and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar. These were inoculated with water sample and incubated for coliform growth, the study underscores the need for improved water treatment practices and continuous monitoring of microbial water quality to safeguard the public health. After the cultivation and isolation, Escherichia coli was detected with its characteristics feature if appearing as a greenish metallic sheen on Eosine Methylene Blue (EMB) agar plates. Further identification test was carried out such as oxidase test which result was negative because it does not produce Cytochrome C Oxidase enzyme, catalase test was positive because it produces catalase enzyme which breakdown hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water, coagulase test was negative because of the absence of clotting after mixing with plasma. Gram staining and capsule staining was also carried out respectively to confirm the characteristics features of the bacterium. The isolation and identification of E. coli revealed cruclal insights of the presence of specific characteristics of E. coli, pathogenic potential of the bacteria isolated from the unringed well water source and the potential public health risk associated with waterborne pathogens. The water source requires proper and regular treatments and routines to monitor its quality and the source of contamination should be tracked and effective disinfection strategies to ensure provision of safe drinking water should be places in focus.