ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the bacteriological investigation of pond water quality from Abia state, Nigeria. From the study, a total of 24 bacteria isolates comprising of 6 different species of bacteria were isolated which includes Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, and Proteus mirabilis. The total viable bacterial counts of pond water samples from this study ranges from 1.4x105 cfu/ml to 4.7 x105 cfu/ml. Total heterotrophic plate count ranges from 2.6x105 cfu/ml to 3.7 x105 cfu/ml. Total coliform plate count ranges from 1.8x105 cfu/ml to 4.7 x105 cfu/ml. Total Staphylococcus plate count ranges from 1.7x105 cfu/ml to 2.8 x105 cfu/ml. Total Salmonella Shigella plate count ranges from 1.4x105 cfu/ml to 2.9 x105 cfu/ml. From the findings in this study, it was observed that Escherichia coli is the most frequently occurring isolates with a percentage occurrence of (25.0%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi with a percentage occurrence of (20.8%), Shigella flexneri, and Proteus mirabilis with a percentage occurrence of (12.5%) and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (8.3%). From the results of this investigation, there’s need to monitor the water quality from time to time to detect the actual source of contamination and also to pass the water through a form of treatment to prevent epidemic outbreak, There’s need for pre- treatment before use for domestic purposes. The physiochemical analysis of the different pond water samples was also checked. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in mean count of the locally made cream samples at P< 0.05.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table
of Contents v
List
of Tables vii
Abstract viii
1.0 CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Formation of Pond 2
1.3 Characteristics of Ponds 3
1.4 Pollution of Ponds 4
1.5 Effects
of Pond Water on the Environment 5
1.5.1 Foul
Odour 5
1.7 Life That Are Found In Pond Water 6
1.8 Types of Pond 6
1.8.1 Minipond 7
1.8.2 Wildlife Pond 7
1.8.3 Fish Pond 7
1.9 Some Items That Can Be Found In Pond
Water 7
1.10 Some places
where Pond water can be found in Abia State Especially
In Umuahia and Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture, Umudike 8
1.11 Aims and Objectives 8
1.11.1 Objectives 8
2.0 CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Literature 9
2.2 Bacteriological Investigation of Pond
Water Quality 10
2.3 Microorganisms Found In
Water 11
2.4 Pools of Water; a Health Risk 12
3.0 CHAPTER
THREE
3.1 Materials and Methods 13
3.2 Study Area 13
3.3 Materials 13
3.4 Methods 13
3.5 Samples
Collection 14
3.6 Processing of Samples 14
3.7 Sterilization
of Materials 15
3.8 Media
Preparation 15
3.9 Microbiological Studies 15
3.9.1 Preparation of sample and inoculation of
samples 15
3.9.2 Isolation
15
3.9.3 Total Coliforms 16
3.10 Biochemical Identification of Bacterial
Isolates 16
3.10.1 Gram Staining 16
3.10.2 Catalase Test 17
3.10.3 Citrate Test 17
3.10.4 Oxidase Test 17
3.10.5 Indole Test 18
3.10.6 Methyl Red Test (MR) 18
3.10.7 Voges-Proskauer Test (VP) 18
3.10.8 Motility Test 18
3.10.9 Determination of Occurrence 19
3.11 Physico-Chemical
Analysis 19
3.11.1 pH Determination 19
3.11.2 Temperature 20
3.11.3 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 20
3.11.4 Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD) 20
3.11.5 Carbon Oxygen Demand (COD) 20
3.12 Statistical Analysis 20
4.0 CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Results 22
5.0 CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Discussion,
Conclusion
and Recommendation 28
5.1.1 Discussion 28
5.1.2 Conclusion 30
5.1.3 Recommendation 30
References 31
LIST
OF TABLES
|
TABLE
|
TITLE
|
PAGE NO
|
|
1
|
Total viable bacterial
counts of pond water samples
|
23
|
|
2
|
Morphological Identification of
Bacterial Isolates from pond water samples
|
24
|
|
3
|
Biochemical Identification, Gram Reaction of
Bacterial Isolates from pond water samples
|
25
|
|
4
|
Percentages occurrence of bacterial isolates from pond
water samples
|
26
|
|
5
|
Physiochemical Analysis of different pond water
samples
|
27
|
1.0 CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
A
pond is referred to as a man-made or natural water body which is between 1m2
and 20,000m2 in area, which holds water for at least four months of
the year or all year around depending on geographic locations (Gogoi and Sharma,
2013). It is also a body of standing water, either natural or manmade that is
usually smaller than a lake. They may arise naturally in floodplains as part of
a river system, or they may somewhat be isolated depressions.
The
type of life in pond is generally determined by a combination of factors
including water level regime (particularly depth and duration of flooding) and
nutrient levels, but other factors may also be important, including presence or
absence of shading by trees, presence or absence of streams, effects of grazing
animals, and salinity. Pond waters are also facing pollution just like other
water bodies are getting polluted due to discharge of effluents from various
industries, domestic waste, land and agricultural drainage resulting in the
degradation of water quality of these water resources (Rajiv et al., 2012). In human health, water
plays a very important role and quality of the water supplied is important in
determining the health of individuals and the whole communities. Safe water quality
is a major concern with reference to public health importance as health and
well being of the human race is closely tied up with the quality of water used.
Recently, epidemics of cholera have been reported from different parts of the
World, including India, Nigeria (Anambra State) and Zimbabwe. The outbreak was
caused by Vibrio cholera isolated
from municipal taps and wells. Outbreaks of typhoid fevers and dysentery were
linked to unsanitary mixing of some water supplies and sewage (Uzoigwe and Agwa,
2012).
Bacteriological
monitoring is based on knowledge of the sanitary condition of the water supply,
which is based on the detection of coliform bacteria and the specific indicator
of human faecal contamination,
Escherichia coli. The term “indicator organisms” are used in water
analysis, which refers to micro-organisms whose presence in water shows that
the water is polluted with faecal material from humans or other warm-blooded
animals (Idakwo and Abu, 2004). This kind of pollution means that the opportunity
exists for the various pathogenic organisms, which periodically occur in
intestinal tract, to enter the water, such water is described as non-potable
water, and it is not safe for drinking. The use of intestinal organisms as
indicators of faecal contamination is a universally acceptable process for
monitoring and assessing the microbiological safety of water supply before
distribution. Coliform bacteria are a group of intestinal bacteria used as
indicators to determine if treated water is acceptable for human consumption.
Coliforms will not likely cause illnesses. However, the presence of coliforms
in drinking indicates the presence of disease-causing organisms (Nwachukwu and
Otokunefor, 2006). The Coliform includes the members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, e.g. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes,
Salmonella and Klebsiella.
1.2 FORMATION OF POND
Ponds
can result from a wide range of natural processes. Any depression in the ground
which collects and retains a sufficient amount of precipitation can be
considered a pond, and such depressions can be formed by a variety of
geological and ecological events. Rivers often leave behind ponds in natural
floodplains after spring flooding, and these can be very important to breeding
fish, particularly in large river systems like the Amazon. Retreating glaciers
can leave behind landscapes filled with small depressions, each developing its
own pond; an example is the Prairie Pothole Region of North America (Shekha et al., 2013). Many areas of landscape
contain small depressions which form temporary ponds after spring snow melts,
or during rainy seasons; these are called vernal ponds, and may be important
sites for amphibian breeding. Some ponds are created by animals. Beaver ponds
are the best-known example, but alligators also excavate ponds as well. In
landscapes with organic soils, fires can also create depressions during periods
of drought; these become open water when normal water levels return (Karafistan
and Arik-Colakoglu, 2005).
1.3 CHARACTERISTICS OF PONDS
A
defining feature of a pond is the presence of standing water, which provides
habitat for wetland plants and animals. Familiar examples might include
water-lilies, frogs, turtles, and herons. Often, the entire margin of the pond
is fringed by wetland , and these wetlands support the aquatic food web,
provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize the shore of the pond. Some grazing
animals like geese and muskrats consume the wetland plants directly as a source
of food. In many other cases, however, the pond plants fall into the water and
decay. A large number of invertebrates then feed on the decaying plants, and
these invertebrates provide food for wetland species including fish,
dragonflies, and herons (Wemedo et al.,
2004). The open water may allow algae to grow, and these algae may support yet
another food web that includes aquatic insects and minnows. A pond, therefore,
may have combinations of three different food webs, one based on larger plants,
one based upon decayed plants, and one based upon algae. Hence, ponds often
have a large number of different animal species using the wide array of food sources.
They, therefore, provide an important source of biological diversity in
landscapes. Vernal ponds are ponds which dry up for part of the year. Naturally
occurring vernal ponds do not usually have fish. They are called vernal ponds
because they are typically at their peak depth in the spring (the meaning of
"vernal" has to do with the spring). The absence of fish is a very
important characteristic since it provides amphibians with breeding locations
free from predation by fish. Hence, introducing fish to a pond can have
seriously detrimental consequences. In some parts of the world, such as
California, the vernal ponds have rare and endangered plant species. On the
coastal plain, they provide habitat for endangered frogs such as the
Mississippi Gopher Frog (Gogoi and Sharma, 2013).
1.4 POLLUTION OF PONDS
The
water in a pond must remain clean if it is to provide a healthy environment for
the organisms (animals and plants) living in it. The natural waste from the
living and dead organisms is ‘recycled’ by special tiny organisms called
bacteria. Plenty of oxygen is needed for the bacteria to ‘break down’ the
waste. The pond can take care of its own waste, it’s people who cause pollution
(Rajiv et al., 2012). The most
noticeable kind of pollution is the dumping of rubbish anything from old cars
and drinks cans to bikes and bottles have been found cluttering up ponds. This
not only makes the environment look so unsightly but it may also destroy
pond-life.
Perhaps
the most serious threat to ponds is chemical pollution as a result of modern
farming methods. Over the years fields have been sprayed with pesticides to rid
the crops of pests. However, rain often washes the excess chemicals off the
crops into nearby ponds, streams or rivers, poisoning some of the animals
living there. Fortunately, these poisonous chemicals are not used so freely now
and, hopefully, this problem will gradually be reduced (Uzoigwe and Agwa,
2012).
Another,
equally serious, problem connected with agriculture is the use of artificial
fertilizers. Powdery chemical fertilizers, containing nitrates, are put on the
crops to help their growth but they can also be washed off by rain into nearby
ponds. They do not poison the wildlife but the rich supply of nitrogen causes
the water plants, especially algae, to grow very quickly. The plants use up so much
oxygen during the night and during decaying processes that there is none left
for the other pond-life. The growth also prevents sunlight reaching the
organisms below. Eventually, all the algae die leaving a smelly, decaying mass.
The case of excess nitrates in water is called eutrophication.
1.5 EFFECTS OF POND WATER ON THE ENVIRONMENT
1.5.1 Foul Odour
When
sewage decomposes in stagnant water, it uses up oxygen from the surrounding
water and if it continues, the amount of oxygen will decrease and it will lead
to accumulation of carbon dioxide and bad odour because most organisms in the water will die
off. The smell
is hydrogen sulfide which is present in all pond water. The fact that the water
may have been standing in the pipe for decades can cause a pretty bad rotten
egg smell at times. Dirty looking
environment: when water is confined to a particular place,
without flowing, it makes the place look unkempt and leaves a very dirty
environment. Sometimes it ends up causing permanent damage to the drainage
system (Rompre et
al., 2002).
Nutrient enrichment:
Stagnant water that contains sewage discharges also contain nutrients which
when elevated slightly may increase algae and plant growth under
certain background conditions. But, when present in high concentration
nutrients can be responsible for the formation of algal bloom which reduce
light and may produce toxins and can cause oxygen depletion when decomposition
takes place (Linton and Warner, 2003).
1.6 LIFE THAT ARE FOUND
IN POND WATER
Some plants prefer flowing water while others such as lotuses, prefer
stagnant water (Degtjareva et al.,
2006). Various anaerobic bacteria are commonly found in stagnant water. For
this reason, pools of stagnant water have historically be uses in processing
hemp and some other fiber crops, as well as lenden bark used for making bast
shoes. Stagnant water is the favorite breeding ground for a number of insects;
such as Dragonfly nymphs, Fly Maggots, Mosquito Larvae, nephidae (Water Scorpions etc)
and other microscopic organisms. When the depreciation of the water is so
marked as to become visible, it is called stagnant (Payment et al., 2003). The condition which
arises is revealed to the senses in various ways; the foul smelling and thus
the stagnant condition be revealed through the sense of smell. The growths of
various floras, such as algae in various forms, are also a mark of stagnancy
(Rompre et al., 2002). In such cases
the water becomes coastes with a scum, usually green, which indicates the
abnormal growth of organisms of the kind method.
1.7 TYPES OF POND
There
are many pond types, kinds and sizes. Each of them has its unique
characteristics. Before you start laying a pond it is important that you make a
choice of different types of ponds. There are different kinds of ponds you can
choose from. You may choose for example kinds of ponds, including.
1.7.1 Minipond
A
mini-pond is a small
portable decorative pond basin. A mini-pond is suitable for the smallest
gardens, terraces and balconies. If you dispose of somewhat more space, put
several mini-ponds side by side in different colours (Rajiv et al., 2012).
1.7.2 Wildlife Pond
In
a wildlife pond
nature is in charge. The number of plants is rich and the water attracts many
animals, such as frogs, salamanders and insects. In a wildlife pond no pump,
filter, chemical means and in ideal conditions – also no liner is used. A
proper number and variety of (oxygen) plants affords a high level oxygen
content in the water, securing it from algae.
1.7.3 Fish Pond
A
fish pond
is a pond which is merely meant to keep fish. The consequence of total
admittance of plants in a fish pond is that more efforts have to be made to
keep the water clear and healthy , because there are no plants to filter the
water, whereas fish still produce waste material.
1.8 SOME ITEMS THAT CAN BE FOUND IN POND
WATER
Plastic containers, sachet water, nylon, used
pampers, sometimes sanitary pads, packaged refuse,used tins,used plastic buckets and gallons,rotten corn ,orange,
and apples,spoiled food,banana peels,licked orange,urine, etc.
1.9 SOME PLACES WHERE POND WATER CAN BE FOUND
IN ABIA STATE ESPECIALLY IN UMUAHIA AND MICHEAL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF
AGRICULTURE,UMUDIKE
Osisioma in Aba (fish
pond), CNREM in MOUAU, Ehimiri in Umuahia (wildlife pond), Ahiaeke in Umuahia (fish pond), Fish pond in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.
1.10 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This
study is aimed at evaluation of microorganisms associated with pond water
present in drainage systems in Umuahia, Abia state..
1.10.1 OBJECTIVES
· To
isolate and characterize microorganisms present in different types of pond
water.
· To
determine the percentage occurrence of the isolates.
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