EXAMINATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN WATER BOTTLES FOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION

摘要

School children water bottles were examined for microbial contamination. Samples were drawn from four public primary schools in different geographical locations in Ibadan metropolis. Internal surfaces of the bottles were tested for coliform presence using the Multiple Tube Technique. In the whole lot of samples tested, 16% of the bottles showed no presence of coliform bacteria, while the remaining 84% showed the presence of coliform bacteria of varying degrees. Roots transformation of the mean of most probable number (MPN) values obtained was subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). There was significant difference in all the variables of the schools' samples (bottles) and sites as well as interaction between them at 0.05 level of significance. Microscopic examination of the pure culture showed gram-negative non-spore forming rods, which fermented lactose. The level of microbial presence of the coliform group as shown by the MPN results was adjudged high. This revealed a high degree of unhygienic practices in the use of school children water bottles tested. The bulk of the population where samples were drawn was the peasants, low-income earners and illiterates. The results of findings also established that internal geometry of the water bottles is significantly related to high level of microbial contamination. The high prevalence of illnesses of the water borne type in school children may be connected to this high level of microbial contamination in their water bottles. Hence an adoption of a wide top-side shaped water bottles as well as public enlightenments in the hygienic use of water bottles may serve as a remedy. The research work also paved way for the need to determine the extent to which the existing bottles could be safely used before disposal.