Abstract

Global interest has been in water, sanitation and hygiene practice due to its vital role in public health and environmental protection. This study evaluated the gaps in Water Quality, Sanitation and Health in Evbuotubu Community, Edo state, Nigeria. Physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of water samples were analyzed adopting standard analytical procedures and pour plate techniques respectively and structured questionnaires were administered. Findings revealed that the pH value ranged from 5.33 to 6.71, slightly acidic. Electrical Conductivity ranged from 14.67 to 142 µS/cm, well below WHO’s 400 µS/cm guideline. Turbidity level extremely low (0.03 to 0.90 NTU), well below the WHO maximum of 5 NTU. Alkalinity ranged from 0.21 mg/L to 0.50 mg/L. Phosphates ranged from 0.09 mg/L to 1.99 mg/L, exceeding WHO’s 0.1 mg/L limit. Nitrates ranged from 0.57 mg/L to 1.50 mg/L, well within the WHO limit of 50 mg/L. Sulphates ranged from 0.15 mg/L to 0.91 mg/L, very low compared to WHO’s 250 mg/L guideline. BOD₅ ranged from 0.21 to 1.45 mg/L and COD from 0.02 to 0.56 mg/L, both extremely low. The total heterotrophic bacterial population ranged in values from 2.24 to 3.15 (10² cfu/ml) and the total coliform count ranged from 0.02 to 1.82 (cfu/ml). Using standard morphological characterization, the bacterial isolates obtained were Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Serratia marcescens. This study suggests the water quality is acceptable, however, needs for residents to address its acidity level, promoting hygiene and improving sanitation within Evbuotubu community is very important.

Key Words: Evaluate, Evbuotubu community, Hygiene, Sanitation, Water