SOME PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS STUDY OF THE OGBOBA CREEK IN WILBERFORCE ISLAND, BAYELSA STATE – NIGERIA

Abstract

Pathogenic study of some Micro-organisms from Ogboba Creek which transverses the Niger Delta University
(NDU) main campus was carried out. Three sampling stations were selected based on the anthropogenic
characteristics that obtain in the respective site from which water sample were collected in plastic bottles bimonthly
consecutively for 3 months. Laboratory analysis was done using description of Walley and Hawkes. Data generated
showed that highest coli form count (14 CFU/100ml) was obtained in sampling, station I (SS I) while the least was
documented at SS III. Both E Coli and Salmonella however had their highest values (157.33 and 92.00 CFU/100ml)
for the respective microorganisms in SS III while they equally recorded the least values (78.00 and 64.67
CFU/100ml) respectively in SS 1. Guidelines of statutory bodies (WHO and FEPA) show that the strains of E coli
(157) obtained in this study have the capacity to cause illness. The statute is that Salmonella and E Coli (0157)
should not be present in any water as they may render the water unfit for human use in any way. The values of micro
organisms recorded in this research have therefore portrayed the Ogboba Creek as fallen short of safe standard.
This suggests that the Ogboba Creek water is polluted. Measures should be put in place to checkmate the
anthropogenic activities that entrenched pollutants into the study area, in order to forestall outbreak of epidemic in
the locality.