Microbiological Quality of the Effluents Produced by the University and Hospital Centres in the Department of Littoral, Republic of Benin

Introduction: The effluents generated by hospital activities pose a potential danger to health and the environment. This study aimed to study the microbiological quality of the effluents produced by the university and hospital centres of Littoral department. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 60 samples of hospital effluents from sewage treatment plants and septic tanks carried out during the period from April to June 2019. Samples at the station were made at the entrance and exit of the station. Samples for microbiological analysis were collected in pre-sterilized 500 mL glass bottles. Samples were kept between at 2°C - 8°C and in the dark to ensure satisfactory preservation. ANOVA one-way analysis of variance was performed for each microbiological parameter and principal component analysis (PCA) was also performed. Results: The bacteriological analyses carried out on the 60 samples taken showed a significant microbiological load. In fact, the bacteriological parameters measured and compared to the pollutant release standards in the environment show that the number of germs identified is above the recommended guideline values. The average values for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci and staphylococci were: 3.91 × 105 UFC/100 mL, 0.52 × 105 UFC/100 mL, 3.92 × 105 UFC/100 mL and 1.36 × 105 UFC/100 mL, respectively. The most isolated bacteria were: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas horizyhabitans, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Most strains were resistant to at least 3 families of antibiotics (beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones). Conclusion: These effluents therefore present health and environmental risks. It is of utmost importance to develop methods for the treatment of these effluents before their release into the natural environment.