Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Status and Water Qualities Using Physicochemical and Bacteriological Indices at Automobile Spare-Parts Markets in Benin City, Nigeria

Global focus is currently on water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) due its public health and environmental significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene status of Uwelu and Evbareke spare parts markets in Benin City. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the WaSH status of the markets. Physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of borehole water samples at the spare parts markets were investigated adopting standard analytical procedures and pour plate techniques respectively. Findings revealed that the pH values of Uwelu and Evbareke ranged from 5.28 - 5.29 and 4.78 - 5.11 respectively. The highest concentration of chloride was observed in Evbareke samples (49.70 mg/l) while that of nitrate and BOD5 were 2.06mg/l in Evbareke and 0.88mg/l in Uwelu respectively. Comparing the value recorded in this study with WHO recommended standard which is 0.01-0.015mg/l, the mean value for Evbareke spare-parts market exceeded the recommended limit for lead at 0.02±0.025 mg/l. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 3.1 - 4.4 × 102 cfu/ml and 3.1 - 2.9 × 102 cfu/ml (Evbareke). The total coliform counts in Uwelu and Evbareke spare parts markets ranged from 4 - 9 MPN/ml and 0 - 20 MPN/ml. The array of bacteria isolates was Escherichia  coli, Enterobacter spp. Klebsiella sp. and Staphylococcus spp. Findings from this study suggest the urgent need to improve water safety, sanitation and hygiene policy of these studied popular automobile spare-parts markets in Benin City, Edo State.