Abstract

The microbiological quality of an environment is one of the elements to its safety usage and ecological integrity. This study assessed the microbiological quality of surface water and sediment from Amadi Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Surface water and sediment samples were collected monthly for 3 months (June-August, 2023) from three stations (Marine base jetty, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) water front, and Eastern bye-pass bridge) using standard methods. Counts of Escherichia coli, Total Salmonella Shigella, Total Bacteria, and Total coliform were analysed using standard microbiological methods. The results revealed no spatial variations (ANOVA, p>0.05) for microbiological qualities in surface water and sediment. A Comparison of microbiological counts in the matrices, indicated that only total bacteria count was significantly higher in sediment than surface water (student’s t-test) across the stations.  A comparison with standard values showed that microbiological counts in surface water exceeded with several magnitudes compared to the European Union estuary and harbour basin water standard, suggesting high microbial contamination. In conclusion, Amadi creek is highly contaminated with microorganisms which might be influenced by the various anthropogenic activities in the study stations. The elevated microbial counts with values which exceeded with several magnitude the EU estuarine and habour basin water standard indicated the extent of the contamination. Consuming seafood or using water from Amadi Creek without adequate treatment is an evolving public health risk. Hence, there is need for immediate intervention that will safeguard the ecological integrity and safety of the creek.