‘INVESTIGATION OF MAGADA STREAM WATER FOR PATHOGENIC MICROBES AND THE HEALTH RISK OF ITS CONTACT WITH PEOPLE OF MAGADA COMMUNITY’

Abstract

Contaminated stream water in a polluted environment has negative impact on both the people and the environment itself. Such is the situation of Magada stream water, which through sewage pollution has been contaminated especially with fecal contamination. The stream becomes a concern for the people of Magada community when they started complaining of symptoms of ill-health whenever they pass through the water. This brought the observation of the problem. An investigative study was now designed to know the pathogenic of microorganism that could be causing the symptoms of ill-health. Also an interview was conducted with the people of the community when passing through the water. The result revealed the bacterial organisms that are pathogenic in the water, such as staphylococcus, Escherichia coli etc. Many ill-health symptoms were reported in response to the questions from the questionnaire. Symptoms such as itching rashes, peeling of the skin that could be caused by probable staphylococcus species. The study was conducted as saying that the stream is containing the pathogenic organism and should be treated from time to time. The people in the area should be educated in health awareness to manage the problem.