MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT ON UTEKON RIVER IN OVIA NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

The microbial analysis of industrial effluent on Utekon River in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo State was investigated in this study. The study assesses the extent of pollution of the water due to discharged effluent from the industries in the area. The bacteriological analysis of water samples collected from five different stations (A-E) revealed the presence of bacteria genera such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp and Streptococcus sp. The most widely distributed bacteria was Escherichia coli indicating faecal pollution of the river. The total bacteria count was observed to range from 12× 103 – 83 × 103 cfu/ml. The highest bacteria count 83 × 103 cfu/ml was recorded in sample B1 obtained from station 2, which was the point of discharge of effluent. The total coliform count was observed to range from 12 – 79. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that the most resistant and susceptible bacteria isolates were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The most susceptible bacteria isolate was Streptococcus sp. Due to negative impact of the effluent discharge in Utekon River it will be necessary if policies are provided to ensure proper treatment of waste effluent before discharge into the river in other to preserve the safety of the river and conservation of the aquatic life. Thus helping the sustainability of the aquatic life of the river and preventing hazardous threat this polluted river may pose to human health who consume this aquatic life.