Microbial contamination of domestic water sources in Bungokho county, Mbale district

Abstract

Water is the main constituent of earth’s hydrosphere and fluids of all living organisms. Microbial contamination of water is often of fecal nature related to humans, combined sewage overflow, domesticated animals, and discharges from hospital, and agricultural run- offs among others. This study was carried out in Bungokho county, Mbale district as representative of other counties. 50 water samples in total were collected from 5 main water sources. Microbial work was carried out in PMB laboratory to isolate E. coli, salmonella spp. and V. cholerae and data analysis done using R software package to find their mean concentration and possible domestic activities responsible for the observed levels. All water samples were found positive of E. coli and V. Cholera and no salmonella levels, Mean E. Coli and mean V. cholerae contamination were statistically significant among the water sources [ANOVA, P-value=7.4e-10]and [P-Value=1047e-11] respectively. All water sources had levels of E. coli and V. cholerae because of relatively similar practices carried near them i.e., by farmers and herdsmen as well as fecal contamination, poor sanitation and poor storage conditions. Furthermore, the masses are responsible for the contamination through unhygienic water storage and lack of proper water treatment technique which is much evidenced in the site of study. In Bungokho County, water pollution is mainly by waragi distillers as well as small scale industries i.e. Maize and coffee millers. Rain water is advantageous in this regard as the storage is at the home than most groundwater supplies and in tanks so the opportunities for contamination during transport or storage are reduced. Agricultural land-offs, improper domestic water disposal was also major cause of E. coli and V. cholerae across all water source.