Assessment of Physicochemical, Hygiene Performance and Bacteriological Quality of Stored Water in Selected Hostels in Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Science, Gombe State University (GSU), Nigeria.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Water quality assessment is crucial in ensuring the safety and health of individuals, especially in
residential areas like student hostels. This study assessed the physicochemical parameters, hygiene
performance, and bacteriological quality of stored water in hostels in Malete, Nigeria. Twenty
different water samples were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical properties and
hygiene practices related to water storage and handling. Membrane filtration technique was
employed for the bacteriological estimation and identification of the isolates were carried out
using standard methods. Hygiene performance indices ranged from 40 - 80 % of the stored water
samples. The findings revealed varying levels of physicochemical properties; Temperature
oscillated from (26.0 - 28.4 °C), TDS (48.0 – 690.0 mg/L), pH (5.44 -7.61), EC in μS/cm (96.0 –
689.0), salinity (0.0 -0.01%) and resistivity (1.170 – 4.910 MΩ/cm). Total Bacterial Count ranged
from 80.0 ±0.5.77 - 200±20.0 CFU/100ml, Total Coliform Count (0.0 - 100±10.00 CFU/100ml),
Total Faecal Coliform Count (0.0 – 10.0±0.0 CFU/100ml), Total Salmonella- Shigella (0.0 -
100±26.45 CFU/100ml) and Total Pseudomonad Count (0.0 - 100±20.00 CFU/100ml). Poor
hygiene practices, such as inadequate container cleaning and direct hand contact, contributed to
bacterial contamination. The presence of coliforms in almost all the samples indicated potential
health risks. This study highlights the need for improved water management practices and regular
monitoring to ensure safe drinking water for hostel residents in Malete, Kwara State.
Implementing proper hygiene education and water treatment methods is recommended.