Diversity and Levels of Bacteriological Contamination in Orashi River, Mbiama Community, River State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the level and diversity bacteria contamination in River Orashi in Mbiama community, Rivers state of Nigeria. Triplicate samples were obtained from three stations viz: upstream, downstream and midstream. Standard bacteriological methods were employed for the analysis. Total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform and fecal coliform ranged from 3.00 to 7.00 x 10⁶ cfu/ml, 12.00 to 15.67 MPN/100 ml and 7.00 to 14.00 MPN/100 ml respectively. Analysis of variance showed that there were no significance difference (P>0.05) among the various location apart from total heterotrophic bacteria that was significantly different (P<0.05) among the different location. The bacteria density exceeded the Standard Organization of Nigeria and World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization allowable limit of 1.0 x 10² cfu/ml for potable water. The bacteria isolates identified include Pseudomonas, Proteus, Micrococcus, Shigella, Salmonella, Enterobacter species, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. The findings of this study showed that the water quality of Orashi River at Mbiama community is not suitable for consumption based on bacteriological analysis. As such the water should be treated through boiling and chlorination prior to consumption.