Assessment of Bacterial Contamination in Drinking Water Sources in Khartoum/ Sudan

Aim of the Study: To assess the bacterial contamination in drinking water sources in Khartoum/ Sudan.

Place of Study: This study is done in collaboration between University of Khartoum and Central Veterinary Research Laboratory.

Study Design: One hundred water samples were collected from the three localities of Khartoum state (Khartoum= 33, Omdurman= 34, Khartoum north [Bahri] =25) and 8 from different companies of water supply.

Methodology: Fifty four Samples were collected from surface water and (38) from ground water [well]. These samples transported to bacteriology lab for microbiological analyses using filtration method and new technique Colilert and Pseudalert kits which used for the first time in Sudan.

Results: Filtration method revealed different bacterial species, they were: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogene Enterobacter sakazaki, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marinoruba, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella spp. Raoultella terrigena\planticola, Orchobacter anthrobi, Cronobater spp., Aeromonas salmonicida, Aeromonas hydrophilia, Pantoea agglomerans, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas app were detected and most probable numbers (MPN) were counted using the previous kits according to manufacture instructions.

Conclusion: The water must be tested before using and quality control technique must be achievable to ensure continuously supply of pure drinking water.