Contemporary Research Analysis Journal

This study investigates the microbial quality of flood water in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, in September, 2024. This study presents a microbial analysis of floodwater samples collected from four stations (1–4). A randomized block experimental design was used. Triplicate samples were taken from each location. The results revealed high levels of total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio spp., indicating significant fecal contamination and potential health risks. Fungal species such as Aspergillus sp. and Candida sp. were also isolated. The microbial counts varied notably across sampling sites, with values ranging ranged from 38.23±1.12 CFU/ml (Station 4- control) to 44.63±1.28 CFU/ml (Station 2) in mean values. The highest mean count in sampling station 2 (52.67± 1.56 CFU/100ml) indicates potential contamination. Again, sampling station 4 (control) had the lowest mean coliform levels (37.67± 2.76), suggesting more stable and cleaner conditions. The distribution of bacterial species across different sampling locations reveals spatial variability in microbial presence. Notably, Bacillus sp. was consistently present across all stations. Escherichiacoli was also frequently encountered in all the sampling stations. The presence of Shigella sp., Providencia sp., and Pragia sp. further supports the possibility of contamination with enteric pathogens. The biochemical test results provided valuable confirmation of bacterial identities. Shigella sp. was characterized as a Gram-negative rod, catalase and indole positive, but negative for citrate and gas production. These results highlight the importance of targeted microbial monitoring in flood-prone areas to assess public health risks and guide sanitation responses.

flood water microbial analysis, water contamination Nigeria, Escherichia coli floodwater, public health risk water, Bayelsa flood study

1. Action Aid (2006). Climate change, Urban flooding and the Rights of the urban poor in African: key findings from six African cities. london: Action Aid International. Pp. 1-2.
2. Alagoa, E. J. (2013). The Izon people of the Niger Delta. Journal of African Studies, 14(1), 1-15.
3. Edeh E.I. (2016). Environmental Health: Understanding current issues and solutions of 21st century int'Ed. CERPMIST Environmental Academy Ltd., U.S.A. 24pp
4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ,2011). Integrated Water Quality Report -South East Ireland.
5. Leclerc, H., Mossel, D. A., Edberg, S. C., & Struijk, C. B. (2001). Advances in the bacteriology of the coliform group: Their suitability as markers of microbial water safety. Review of Medical Microbiology, 12(3), 145- 152.
6. Mandic-Mulec, I., Stefanic, P., & van Elsas, J. D. (2015). Ecology of Bacillaceae. In The Bacterial Spore (Vol. 2, pp. 59–85). American Society for Microbiology.
7. Nkwunonwo, U. C., Malcolm, N., & Brian, B. (2015). Flooding and Flood Risk Reduction in Nigeria: Cardinal Gaps. Journal of Geography and Natural Disasters, 5, 136.
8. Nwilo, P. C., & Badejo, O. T. (2015). Flood risk assessment in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Journal of Flood Risk Management, 8(3), 231-242.
9. Owei, O. (2017). Amassoma community: A study of the socio-economic impact of oil exploration. Journal of Social Sciences, 15(2), 1-10.
10. Silby, M. W., Winstanley, C., Godfrey, S. A. C., Levy, S. B., & Jackson, R. W. (2011). Pseudomonas genomes: Diverse and adaptable. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 35(4), 652–680.
11. Todar, K. (2020). Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology. University of Wisconsin. http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/
12. World Health Organization. (2017). Guidelines for drinking-water quality: Fourth edition incorporating the first addendum. WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549950