This study compares two conventional methods: Membrane Filtration (MF)
and Multiple Tube Fermentation (MTF) used in the analysis of two Port
Harcourt natural water sources, Abonnema Wharf (A) and Tourist Beach (B).
However, these methods are generally used in the determination of the sanitary
condition of the waters and its suitability for general use. It is observed
from the study that the MF gives a more reliable and precised data than that of
the MTF which is time consuming, labour intensive and less precised. Bacterial
isolates such as the Enterococcus faecalis not present with the use of MF method may be as a
result of seasonal changes, spatial distribution of organism, and varying
degree of human/animal and industrial activities/influence on the ecosystem.
Studies on the effects of physiological stress especially stress by
chlorination should be carried out on the waters in order to substantiate the
effectiveness of each method and also identify the best conventional method to
be applied during analysis of water.
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