Physicochemical and Bacteriological Assessment of Water Samples from Al-Qalam University Katsina

Abstract

Water quality is a crucial determinant of public health, as it directly affects human well-being and environmental sustainability. This study focuses on the physicochemical and bacteriological assessment of water samples within Al-Qalam University, Katsina, to evaluate their safety for consumption and other uses. The study involved the collection of water sample from various sources within the university campus which include tap-water; reserve-water tanks and artificial pond, over three weeks sampling period. Standard bacteriological techniques were employed to analyze these samples for the presence and concentration of indicator bacteria, including cultural and morphological features of bacterial contaminants, coliform load and biochemical characteristics. Additionally, the study assessed the physicochemical characteristics of the water source, including pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solid, and total suspended solid and conductivity to provide a holistic evaluation of water quality. The findings of this research highlight a total coliform load of tap water  and , , for reserved and artificial pond respectively. The individual isolates were E.coli, Klebsiella sp, Enterobacter sp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further investigation and treatment options are recommended to address the specific sources of contamination and enhance the overall water quality management system within the university.