Isolation, Identification, Distribution and Antibiotic Profile of Bacteria Contaminants of Ebenyi River

Despite the abundance of water on earth, only a small fraction of water is readily available for the use of man. Even the small available fraction is not completely clean and safe for industrial and domestic uses. This study investigated the distribution of bacteria contaminants in Ebenyi River and their antibiotic resistance profile. Water samples were randomly collected from three points along each of the five communities that make up Eha-Amufu town through which River Ebenyi passes using 200 ml sterilised borosilicate glass bottles. Collected water samples were labeled and transported in an ice pack to the laboratory for analysis within 6 hours of sample collection. Bacteria isolation and characterisation were done using the culture method while antibiotic susceptibility was performed using the Kirby–Bauer method. A total of 59 species were identified, 25 (42.4%) were Escherichia coli, 12 (20.3%) were Bacillus sp, 12 (20.3%) were Klebsiella sp, and 10 (16.9%) were Staphylococcus sp. The results showed that Isu location had the highest concentration of bacteria species 15 (25.4%) while Umuhu locations had the least, 9 (15.3%). The isolated bacteria showed resistance to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, penicillin, cephalosporins, tetracycline and aminoglycosides. It was therefore recommended that government at all levels, nongovernmental organizations or affluent and philanthropic individuals should immediately provide alternative sources of clean and safe water to the people of Eha-Amufu Community to help preserve the lives of the people. Any alternative source of water provided to the people must undergo sufficient filtration and exposure to ultraviolet radiation to take care of microorganisms present in the water.