Determination of Microbiological Load in Periwinkle (Tympanotonos fuscatus), Water and Sediment of Azubie/Woji Creek, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Microbiological loads are influenced by a variety of natural and anthropogenic factors in an environment. These characteristics have a bearing on the ecosystem’s distribution, production and microbial community, as well as its overall integrity. This study was carried out to determine the microbiological load in Periwinkle (T. fuscatus), water and sediment of Azubie/Woji Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Periwinkle, sediment and water samples were collected from three locations for six months from January to June, 2021, along Azubie/Woji Creek Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Samples were analyzed for microbiological analysis following standard methods. Results: Microbiological load mean values range between total fungal count (TFC) 0.64×105 CFU g‾¹ (periwinkle) and mean values hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria count (HUBC) 78.42×105 CFU g‾¹ (sediment) while hydrocarbon utilizing fungal counts (HUFC) range between (1.32×105 CFU g‾¹) periwinkle and (90.92 01×105 CFU g‾¹) in water, fecal coliform count (FCC) range from (0.90×105 CFU g‾¹) periwinkle to (109×105 CFU g‾¹) in water and total Vibrio count (VC) range from (0.94×105 CFU g‾¹) periwinkle to (9.03×105 CFU g‾¹) water. In the study, twelve genera of bacteria and four genera of fungi were identified. The species were Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp., Proteus sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aeroens, Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., Serrata sp., Shigella sp., Salmonella sp. andVibrio (bacteria) while Aspergillus sp., Penicillium, Rhizopus and Fusarium sp. (fungi). Conclusion: The high feasible bacteria count indicated that the river was contaminated. To lessen the risky consequences on the locals who depend on the biota for survival, there is a desire for sensitization and even monitoring of the Azubie/Woji Creek.