Microbial Ecology and Public Health Risk Assessment of the Ologbo River, Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State, Nigeria

• Author(s): Emmanuel Afeonkhai
• Paper ID: 1710145
• Page: 507-514
• Published Date: 20-08-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 2 August-2025

Abstract

The Ologbo River in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State, Nigeria, is a vital water source but is increasingly exposed to microbial contamination from human, agricultural, and industrial activities. This study assessed its microbial ecology and public health risks across wet and dry seasons. Water samples from six stations were analysed for Escherichia coli, total and faecal coliforms, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and physicochemical parameters. All microbial indicators exceeded WHO and Nigerian drinking water limits, with higher loads in the wet season (p<0.05) and downstream sections most affected. Antimicrobial resistance was common, especially to ampicillin and tetracycline. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment indicated infection probabilities far above WHO benchmarks, signalling significant waterborne disease risks. Findings call for urgent pollution control, regular monitoring, and safe water interventions to protect community health.

Keywords

Ologbo River; microbial ecology; faecal contamination; antimicrobial resistance; quantitative microbial risk assessment; public health

Citations

IRE Journals:
Emmanuel Afeonkhai "Microbial Ecology and Public Health Risk Assessment of the Ologbo River, Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 2 2025 Page 507-514

IEEE:
Emmanuel Afeonkhai "Microbial Ecology and Public Health Risk Assessment of the Ologbo River, Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(2)