COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MICROBIAL LOAD OF AL-HIKMAH WATER SUPPLY TO MAIN HOSTELS IN ADETA AND ATERE CAMPUSES

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of the microbial load in water supplied to hostels at Al-Hikmah 
University’s Adeta and Atere campuses, Ilorin, Kwara State. Water quality is a critical public health concern, 
especially in densely populated university settings. Guided by the Public Health Model of Waterborne Disease 
Prevention and Environmental Health Risk Assessment, the study aims to assess microbial levels, compare 
contamination between campuses, identify specific microbial agents, and evaluate compliance with WHO standards. 
Employing a descriptive and comparative cross-sectional design, water samples were collected from five hostels on 
each campus and analyzed using the Most Probable Number (MPN) and Colony Forming Unit (CFU) methods. The 
total population was all hostel water sources; a purposive sampling technique was used. Findings revealed unsafe 
microbial levels across all samples, with Atere Hostel a showing the highest MPN (180/100ml) and Adeta Hostel B 
the highest CFU (65). Biochemical tests confirmed the presence of coliforms, E. coli, Staphylococcus spp., and 
Streptococcus spp., indicating both fecal and environmental contamination. Despite no statistically significant 
difference in microbial load (p > 0.05), the health implications are severe. The study recommends urgent water 
treatment, infrastructure upgrades, and routine monitoring to protect student health and ensure compliance with 
WHO standards.