Physico-chemical and microbiological analysis in treated, stored and drinking water in Nakuru north, Kenya
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Date
2014-11
Authors
Nyamache, A. K.
Maingi, J.M.
Waithaka, Paul Njenga
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Abstract
Nakuru North sub-county is located 160 Km Northwest of Nairobi at an altitude of 1859 m above sea level. It has an area of 593 Km2 with a population density of 25.3 per Km2. People living in the area suffer from enteric diseases probably due to consuming contaminated water. The aim of this study was to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of water that has been treated and stored, isolate microbes from the water and carry out antimicrobial sensitivity test of the isolates. A crossectional study was carried out and a total of 540 samples from water that had been treated through boiling (135), chlorination (135), filtration (135) and solar disinfection (SODIS) and stored by the residents (135). Physico-chemical parameters which included pH, chloride ions concentration and dissolved oxygen were determined and microorganisms isolated and confirmed by biochemical tests. Out of the five hundred and fourty (540) samples examined 35% (189/540) were positive for all the microbial isolates. The prevalence of total coliforms was 51.8 %, E coli (32.3%) and Salmonella (15.9 %). Total coliforms showed the highest mean resistance (26.0 %) followed by Salmonella (16.9 %) while E. coli showed the least (15.5 %). However, there was no significant deference (p=0.98) in resistance among totalcoliforms, E. coli and Salmonellaat 0.05 level of significant. This study established that water that had been treated and stored by the residents in Nakuru North contains high levels of microorganisms and solar disinfection is effective in treating water upon exposure to sunlight for three to five hours per day. In addition, a high percentage of the isolates were resistant to the tested antimicrobials indicating a possibility of antimicrobial miss use and abuse. There is need for proper storage of water after treatment and prudent usage of antimicrobials.
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Keywords
Antimicrobial, contamination, Microorganisms, Physico-chemical, susceptibility
Citation
International Journal of Microbiology and Epidemiological Research (IJMER). [Online] 2 (4), 29-37.