Parasitic Contamination of Drinking Water Sources in Nunkuchu Village of Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawas State, Nigeria

Water is critical for survival of any life form and plays a huge role in domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes.However, water contamination is a major public health concern world over.This study ascertained the level of contamination of water sources and surrounding environments in selected communities of Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.A total of 20 water and soil samples respectively, were collected from 4 locations in the study area.Overall, prevalence of parasite infestation of 47.50% was encountered in the study.Parasites encountered include hookworm spp.(15.00%),Ascaris lumbricoides (12.50%),Strongyloides spp.(7.50%), Entamoeba histolytica (5.00%), Trichuris trichiura (5%) and Girdia lamblia (2.50%) (p < 0.05).Parasite infestation did not differ significantly (p>0.05)across communities; however, higher prevalence was encountered in Nunkuchu sarki (57.14%) and Nunkuchu hayi (44.44%).All six (6) parasites encountered in the study were endemic in Nunkuchu sarki while Nunkuchu hayi and Nunkuchu titi had 5 and 3 recorded parasites respectively.Stream had the highest number of parasites 4 (80.00%),followed by well 2, with no record of parasites in boreholes (p>0.05).Analysis of the soil samples around the sampled water sources revealed a high prevalence of parasites around the borehole 3 (60.00%)and pond area 3 (60.00%)with the least records the well area 2 (37.50%) (p>0.05).This study has indicated a high contamination of water sources and the surrounding environment in Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.This is a threat to public health and therefore requires urgent attention.