Abstract

Access to safe drinking water is essential for public health, and the bacteriological quality of water sources is a crucial factor in ensuring its safety. This study assessed the bacteriological quality and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria of drinking water supplies in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from public taps located at Finima, Hospital Road, Oguede, Akiama, and By-Pass over a five-month period (September, 2022-January, 2023) and analyzed using standard bacteriological techniques. The total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) counts exhibited variations, with Finima and Hospital Road samples showing significant differences (P < 0.05). Total Coliform Count (TCC), the counts ranged from 3.9±2.5 to 4.5±4.1 x 10² CFU/ml, Finima was significantly different (p<0.05). Faecal coliform count and total Vibrio count consistently remained at zero, preventing further analysis. The total Shigella count ranged from 1.6±3.2 to 2.5±3.6 x 10² CFU/ml, with Oguede, By-Pass, and Akiama samples exhibiting significant differences (P < 0.05). The most prevalent bacterial isolates included Erythrobacter, Pseudomonas, Shigella, and Staphylococcus spp with an occurrence of 18.2% each while Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Serratia spp were less frequent (9.1%). Antibiotic resistance patterns varied among isolates, including resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Isolates were most susceptible to Gentamicin and Vancomycin, while the highest resistance was recorded for Augmentin, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime, and Cefotaxime. All tested isolates exhibited MAR indices 0.2 and above. This study underscores the need for improved water quality management and sanitation practices to ensure safe drinking water in Bonny Island, Nigeria.