Bacteriological Characteristics of Spring Water in Ambo Town, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Abstract
Present study was carried out to assess the quality of spring waters in terms of microbiological and chemical characters from Ambo. The results of the study revealed that chemical parameters such as pH (6.36-7.94),TDS(407-1041mg/L), DO(1.5-5.85mg/L),TS (1170-495mg/L), total alkalinity (313-1277mg/L), total hardness (38-1274 mg/L),COD (70.5-9mg/L)in the “Hora” water were higher than the maximum permissible levels of WHO standards for drinking waters. Total aerobic mesophilic bacterial counts tested were found to be as0.977×104 cfu/ml for SFWS, 2.35 ×104cuf/ml for CDSTRM,1.14×104cfu/ml for HB,0.553×104 cfu/ml for HD and2.72×104for Huluka streams samples. The “Hora” water contained different coli forms when tested by most probable number (MPN) method found to be in the order of 0.66 × 102 cfu/ml for SFWS, 39 x 102 cfu/ml for CDSTRM, 0×102 for HB, 0×102forHDand28×102cfu/ml for Huluka stream. The water samples from the different “Hora” water sources showed significant variations with respect to bacteriological and chemical characteristics during study period. Statistical analysis showed significant difference (p <0.05) in the distribution of total coli form, and aerobic mesophilic heterotrophic bacteria at various sampling locations. The study concluded poor water quality in terms of bacteriological and chemical characteristics of “Hora”water sources as all the parameters were well above WHO prescribed standards.
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Introduction
Water is very essential to life and it is undoubtedly the most precious natural resource that exists on our planet. Several forces have been continued to seriously affect the quality of water resources. Many of these are result of human activities and natural processes and include ecosystem and landscape changes, sedimentation, pollution, over-abstraction and climate change. Besides the following natural and human induced factors also affects the quality of water including geology, hydrology, natural hazards, sedimentation/ erosion, agricultural activities, industrial, mining, fishing, sewage discharging/ disposal, deforestation, and other commercial activities. These activities aggravate the pollution of water body and greatly influence the quality of water [1]. Physicochemical and biological water quality indicators will be affected by various ways [2]. The health of aquatic ecosystem is depended on the physico-chemical and biological characteristics [3].The presence of certain microorganisms in water is used as an indicator of possible contamination and an index of water quality [4]. Natural hot and mineral springs water can be defined as water that, while circulating underground, undergoes changes in its composition through heat, pressure and time caused by interaction with the surrounding rock [5].Natural mineral water is characterized by its chemical and microbiological compositions which distinguishes it from drinking water and may not be treated in any way that alters these properties [6]. Besides, the temperature and other essential characteristics of natural mineral water must remain stable over time. Constituents may be present in the natural state in certain natural mineral waters because of their hydro geological origin may present risk to public health above a certain concentration. It is therefore deemed necessary to establish concentration limits for these constituents in natural mineral water [6]. Horas are used as a source of mineral supplement for livestock (cattle, sheep and goats). Water from the “Hora” is perceived to enhance fat, fertility and resistance to diseases [7].In every country that has been investigated natural hot springs mineral water have historically been attributed with therapeutically benefits due to their individual mineral compositions. Ambo “Hora” water (mineral water) is one of water sources which have been used by the city of Ambo, Ambo district and others for drinking purpose (both for humans and animals). It has been considered as having medicinal, bathing recreational, cleaning, cultural values, economic importance (income generation), and other related purpose. People believe that the Ambo “Hora” water has the medicinal value to protect the animals from different diseases, very important for their health and growth. The Ambo “Hora” water has been used throughout the history of human population, but (still no one knows the composition of the water) there was no study carried to determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical characteristics of this “Hora” water. So, study was aimed at assessing the bacteriological and chemical characteristics of Ambo Hora water. This study will also help concerned authorities to understand the status of these spring waters and take appropriate measures to protect these spring waters from being polluted from anthropogenic activities as these are important in terms of its tourism value.
Conclusion
Based on the foregoing analysis, it was concluded that bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of “Hora” and Huluka water samples in the current study did not meet the standards set for drinking water. Some of the physicochemical parameters such as temperature (26.91-0.160oC), pH (6.34-7.94), EC (404.66-1934.89 µS/cm), TDS (402-1067.50 mg/L), DO (1.2-5.8mg/L), TS (1167-1168mg/L) in the “Hora” water was found to be higher than the maximum permissible levels set for drinking water. Bacteriological parameters like total coliform and total heterotrophic bacteria were also much above the recommended standard values of WHO. In the wake of high pollution status of these waters, it was highly recommended that concern authorities who are responsible for maintaining the water quality of Hora waters in Ambo town should implement stringent rules to protect these spring water sources from being polluted further.
