BACTERIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROFILE OF COLIFORM ISOLATES FROM GROUNDWATER NEAR SEPTIC TANKS IN AGO-IWOYE TOWN, NIGERIA

Groundwater sources generally regarded as safe source of drinking water, majority of the population in the developing world are vulnerable to fecal contamination as a result of proximity to septic tanks. Hence, this study investigated the physicochemical, bacteriological qualities and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of coliforms in from selected ground water sources located near septic tanks in Ago-Iwoye town. Physicochemical and bacteriological assessment were carried out and disc diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility test. Results from this study showed that 90% of samples were heavily contaminated with coliforms (Escherichia coli (30%), Klebsiella sp (30%), Salmonella sp (15%), Enterobacter sp (10%), Shigella sp (10%) and Proteus sp (5%)) with total viable counts ranging from 2 cfu/ml to 200 cfu/ml. Majority of the isolates were susceptible to antibiotics used in this study but resistance to augmentin was largely observed. All well water samples were non turbid, odourless and colourless with temperature ranging from 290C-300C, pH ranging from 6.5 -7.3, which was all in compliance with the WHO standard. This concludes that most well water samples in close proximity with septic tanks are unsafe for drinking or other domestic activities. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria can lead to severe health issues.