This study examined some physicochemical and microbiological characteristics
of some water sources and evaluates their health implications in selected areas of Ibadan,
Nigeria. Forty (40) water samples were collected into 1-litre plastic kegs from hand-dug wells,
boreholes and public water points between June 12 and July 11, 2014. Samples were analysed
for physical, chemical and microbial parameters using standard procedures. Well-structured
questionnaires were used to elicit information on sanitation conditions in the areas. Electrical
conductivity in many of the sampled water were higher than the recommended limit, while TDS
were within the desirable limit of 200 mg/l except for the borehole at Ita-Baale Borehole (IB)
and hand dug well at Oke-Aare (OAH). Microbial assessment of water samples in most areas
confirmed the presence of vibrio species due to faecal pollution. Bacterial isolates identified in
some of the water samples were
Enterobacter cloaca
,
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella oxytoca
,
Pseudomaonas fluorescens
and
Salmonella
spp. The study revealed that sanitary facilities
including toilets and improved latrines are lacking in many areas. Hand dug wells had the
highest frequency of occurrence pollutants and bacteria due to their close proximity to pit
latrines. The study concluded that residents in the study area are exposed to polluted water
sources, which pose serious threat their health. This study added to the existing data on the
inadequacy of sanitation in urban centres in the country hence the need for increased effort in
the provision of more cleaner and well protected water sources such boreholes and piped-borne
water.
