Spatial and temporal variations of faecal indicator bacteria in Lake Bunyonyi, South‑Western Uganda

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dc.contributor.authorAlex, Saturday
dc.contributor.authorThomas, J. Lyimo
dc.contributor.authorJohn, Machiwa
dc.contributor.authorSiajali, Pamba
dc.date.accessioned2021-07-01T17:49:57Z
dc.date.available2021-07-01T17:49:57Z
dc.date.issued2021
dc.description.abstractBackground Microbial water quality serves to indicate health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. Nevertheless, little is known about the microbiological characteristics of water in Lake Bunyonyi. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the spatial and temporal variations of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in relation to physicochemical parameters in Lake Bunyonyi. Result The FIB concentration was consistently measured during sampling months and correlated with each other showing the presumed human faecal pollution in the lake. The highest concentration values for E. coli (64.7 ± 47.3 CFU/100 mL) and enterococci (24.6 ± 32.4 CFU/100 mL were obtained in the station close to the Mugyera trading centre. On a temporal basis, the maximum values were recorded during the rainy season in October 2019 (70.7 ± 56.5 CFU/100 mL for E. coli and 38.44 ± 31.8 CFU/100 mL for enterococci. FIB did not differ significantly among the study stations (p > 0.05) but showed significant temporal variations among the months (p < 0.05) with concentrations being significantly high in wet season than dry season (U = 794, p < 0.0001 for E. coli; U = 993.5, p = 0.008 for enterococci). Spearman’s rank correlation revealed that FIB concentrations were significantly positively correlated with turbidity and DO concentration levels (p < 0.05). Approximately 97.2% of the water samples had E. coli and enterococci concentrations levels below USEPA threshold for recreational waters. Likewise, 98.1 and 90.7% of samples recorded E. coli and enterococci counts exceeding the UNBS, APHA, WHO and EU threshold values for drinking water. Conclusion The FIB counts show that the Lake Bunyonyi water is bacteriologically unsuitable for drinking unless it is treated since the FIB pose health risks to consumers. Besides, the water can be used for recreational purposes.en_US
dc.description.sponsorshipKabale Universityen_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12493/509
dc.publisherSN Applied Sciencesen_US
dc.subjectFaecal bacteria · Indicator bacteria · E. coli · Enterococci · Lake Bunyonyi · Ugandaen_US
dc.titleSpatial and temporal variations of faecal indicator bacteria in Lake Bunyonyi, South‑Western Ugandaen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US

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