Distribution and Seasonality of Microbial Indicators and Salmonella in Lake Bosomtwe

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2008-08-19
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This study aimed at assessing the influence of point and non-point sources of pollution on the microbiological quality of Lake Bosomtwe and its compliance with internationally recognized water quality standards. A total of 180 water samples were collected from five sites on Lake Bosomtwe and tested over a 12-month period and analyzed for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci. Bacterial indicator counts ¥ (geometric mean per 100ml) varied from 150 to l.lOxlO12 for total coliforms, 40 to 1.30xl010 for faecal coliforms, 40 to 2.10x10* for Escherichia coli, and 0 to 4.20xl03 for intestinal enterococci. Salmonella counts varied from 0 to 7.25x103 covering a 6-month period, August 2007 to January 2008. There was high bacteria numbers during the rainy season compared with the dry (harmattan) season. Though changes in indicator numbers were not always statistically significant, they were sufficient to affect compliance with the EU Bathing Water Quality Guideline and Imperative standard Directives « (2006/7/EC); while compliance with the WHO intestinal enterococci guideline standard was fair for the water quality. The microbiological quality of Lake Bosomtwe is poor and not suitable for recreational and other human activities. Inland recreational waters in Ghana should be monitored for microbiological contamination, in order to avoid potential risk to human health.
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A thesis submitted to the College of Science, 2008
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