Awareness of Pollution and Contamination of Nworie River by Microorganisms: A Public and Environmental Health Concern in Imo State, Southeast, Nigeria

The Nworie River in southeastern Nigeria is a vital freshwater source for domestic, recreational, and agricultural use. However, it is increasingly threatened by pollution from untreated sewage, urban runoff, and indiscriminate waste disposal. This study assessed the microbial quality of the river to evaluate potential ecological and public health risks. Water and sediment samples were collected from six different sites between April and June 2023 using standard plankton nets and Van Veen grab samplers. Microbial assessment employed serial dilution and membrane filtration methods, with inoculation on Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, Eosin Methylene Blue Agar, Salmonella Shigella Agar, and Potato Dextrose Agar. Colony counts were expressed as cfu/ml and compared with Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) standards. Results revealed elevated microbial loads: total bacteria ranged from 2.00 × 10⁴ to 4.05 × 10⁵ cfu/ml, coliforms from 6.00 × 10⁴ to 1.30 × 10⁵ cfu/ml, and fungi from 2.00 × 10⁴ to 1.40 × 10⁵ cfu/ml, all exceeding FMEnv permissible limits. Klebsiella species were detected at three sites (up to 2.00 × 10⁵ cfu/ml), while Escherichia coli was absent across all samples. These findings indicate severe microbial contamination, highlighting significant health risks for communities dependent on the river. The study underscores the urgent need for improved wastewater management, public sensitization, proper water treatment strategies,and exploration of microbial bioremediation as a sustainable solution.