Effect of moringa oleifera seed powder on bacteria isolated from well water of Rumuolumeni Community, Port Harcourt

Abstract

The effect of Moringa oleifera seed powder on bacteria isolated from the well water of Rumuolumeni Community of Port Harcourt was investigated. Hence, standard microbiological procedures were adopted in the preparation of the Moringa oleifera seed powder, collection of the water samples, and determination of the bacterial load vis-à-vis the effect of the Moringa oleifera seed powder on the bacteria isolated. Results obtained showed a mean heterotrophic bacteria load of 3.8 x 105 and 3.0 x 105 cfu/ml for water analyzed before and after treatment with Moringa oleifera seed powder, respectively. Three bacteria species were recovered and characterized biochemically: Enterobacter aerogens, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus feacalis. The result showed that at varying concentrations of the seed powder, the inhibition zone sizes of the bacteria increased. At 10 and 20mg concentrations, S. faecalis was greatly inhibited in comparison to E. coli and E. aerogens, respectively. The 30mg concentration showed a higher inhibitory effect on E. coli compared to E. aerogens and S. faecalis. The sensitivity and resistivity of the bacteria to Moringa oleifera seed powder showed a dose-dependent response or control on the bacteria. Hence, the study recommends an increased dosage of Moringa seed powder in the purification of well water to be adopted.