Microbial Profile of Some Wastewater Irrigated Vegetable Types on Akaki River in Galan District of Shaggar City, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background and objective: Vegetables of different types are being produced following the river bank of Akaki River which is the most polluted river in Ethiopia. This study was designed to investigate the microbial contamination level of different waste water irrigated vegetable types. Thus the microbial contamination level of those vegetables need to be quantified. Materials and Methods: Samples of different vegetable types were collected using random sampling technique following Akaki River bank from three CFUs, namely Hechu, Gemeda and Dawara Tino. Microbiological profile of each sample was determined by following standard procedures. Results: Samples from Gammada and Dawara Tono kebeles had shown a maximum level of total coliform contamination with log₁₀ CFU/g of 5.042. A relatively higher faecal coliform contamination was still recorded in Dawara Tino kebele. A maximum level of Staphylococcus aureus was obtained from cabbage samples in Hechu kebele. Samples from Hechu kebele exhibited a comparatively higher mold and yeast contamination level with 4.797 log₁₀ CFU/g on onion. Conclusion: The use of Akaki River water for irrigation greatly contributed to the microbial contamination of the samples. Exposure of all vegetable types to microbial contamination has a serious health hazard implication for consumers and requires effective sanitary actions to be taken before preparation for consumption.