Abstract

Bark of Balanites aegyptiaca is used to make well water potable. This study aimed to investigate well water microbiological quality and appreciate antibacterial activity of crude extracts of B. aegyptiaca on bacteria isolated from 60 samples well water. Qualitative chemical analysis of the extract was carried out. Microbiological quality of water well from four health Districts of the city of Lomé were evaluated by broth dilution associated with the spread on agar media method. Antimicrobial activity of bark of B. aegyptiaca was assessed using microdilution method. The results indicated that well water samples analysed were contaminated to varying degrees by the total aerobic flora, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. The most important phytoconstituents of the back were saponins, coumarins, triterpenes, tannins and steroids. Flavonoids and polyphenols were absent. B. aegyptiaca inhibited significantly the growth of microorganisms isolated from well water. Using B. aegyptiaca in the disinfection of well water would be linked to its action on the causative organisms and its chemical composition.

Key words: Balanites aegyptiaca – Phytochemicals – Well water – Antimicrobial