Physico-chemical and biological indices of parasites distribution in Nigeria

摘要

There is need for an alternate quick-search or index of pathogens' [parasites and bacteria] distribution in a widely used community water source. Parasitic indices revealed distribution of Giardia lamblia where cadmium and nickel were found in highest concentration, and Strongyloides stercoralis were found in points where copper, magnesium and electrical conductivity were found in highest concentrations [which, inversely, were also points where phosphate was found in lowest concentration]. Electrical conductivity, chloride and the three particulate properties [TDS, UDS, and TS] also have direct relationship with the parasitic load and type; typically, these were in respect to G. lamblia, hookworm and Entamoeba histolytica, with the exception of S. stercoralis which indicated an inverse relationship. Bacillus subtilis appears index of S. stercoralis, and vice versa. Thus physico-chemical indices indicated that those respective matters in the results could serve as markers for the various parasites. This may as well serve as an index for future monitoring of the potability of such widely used water source in a community.