Microbiological and Physicochemical Assessment of Osun River, Osogbo Metropolis

Student: Abiodun Mary Oladiran (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State

Abstract

Water is an essential natural resource, and rivers serve as critical freshwater sources, sustaining ecosystems and supporting human activities. This study assessed the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of the Osun River in Osogbo metropolis, evaluating its quality for environmental and human use. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), and dissolved oxygen (DO) revealed variations across the collection points, with urban areas showing signs of pollution from anthropogenic activities. The microbiological analysis identified bacterial species including Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as fungal isolates like Aspergillus niger and Fusarium species, indicating fecal contamination and organic material decomposition.
These findings highlight the impact of urbanization on water quality, underscoring the need for improved waste management and pollution control measures to safeguard the river's ecological and public health roles.

Keywords
Microbiological Physicochemical Water Quality Osun River Osogbo Pollution Contamination Pathogens Heavy Metals Waterborne Diseases
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