Parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria
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Date
2021-06
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Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Abstract
Water-borne parasitic infections have become a source of concern in recent times due to the
contamination of various water sources. A survey on the parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba
metropolis was carried out between August and October 2018. This was done to evaluate the extent of contamination
of these water sources and their public health implications. A total number of eighty (80) water samples were
investigated from five (5) major water sources within the study area using the standard sedimentation method and
examined for parasite cysts, eggs and larvae. Physical/macroscopic examination was done to determine the pH, colour,
odour, temperature and presence/absence of particles. Among the water sources analyzed, stream water samples had
the highest rate of parasite contamination 27 (44.3%) followed by river water 14 (22.9%) while the least contaminated
was borehole 7 (11.5%). Rainwater was found free from parasitic infestation. The differences in the level of
contamination among the water sources analyzed were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Five parasites
Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides of Entamoeba coli and Hookworm were observed. Each
of the sample sources except rainwater harbored at least one of these. Among these parasites, Giardia lamblia had the
highest rate occurrence of 15 (24.6%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica 14 (22.9%) and the least frequently
occurring parasite was hookworm 8 (13.1%). Most of the identified water sources are utilized by the populace who
lack access to potable water. The detection of protozoan and helminthic parasites in drinking water sources is a serious
public health concern, hence the proper implementation of a supply of safe drinking water is vital
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Keywords
Parasitic, contamination, local sources, drinking water
Citation
Parasitic, contamination, water sources, Aba