Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters as Veritable Indicators of Faecal Escherichia coli Contamination of Surface Waters

There is need for alternate quick-search of pathogens’ distribution in community water sources, instead of the cumbersome “Escherichia coli detection.” Physical and chemical (physico-chemical) parameters were evaluated as veritable indicators of faecal Escherichia coli contamination of surface waters, using Adada River in Nigeria as case-study. Thirty-two (32) physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in the river (at specified geographical coordinates) for their quality and quantity and connected (using Pearson’s Correlation Analysis) with the distribution of the river’s isolated Escherichia coli. The 32 physico-chemical parameters consist of 11 cations, 6 anions, 7 physical properties, 3 properties relating to oxygen and 5 properties relating to anions/cations. Physico-chemical indices from the analysis, revealed very significant positive correlation relationship of Escherichia coli with the presence of Mg (Magnesium) and K (Potassium) in the dry and rainy season, respectively. E. coli affinity tests (Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion) for these metals were also positive. Mg and K also showed significant positive Pearson’s possible paired correlation relationship. From this evaluation, potential index analysis indicated that Mg and K could serve as markers for the faecal bacteria indicators, and possible index for future monitoring of the potability of such surface water. The method is straight forward, cost effective, less cumbersome than other currently existing approaches.