An investigation of water quality in shallow ground water sources in the Odaube area of Benue State, Nigeria

Ifeanyichukwu Clinton Ezekwe,Ochekwu Austin Sunday,Ahamefula Sunday Ezekwe

doi:10.7213/estud.biol.36.086.ao06

Abstract

This study examined shallow ground water quality in Odaube, Benue State, Nigeria. Physico-chemical parameters (taste, odour, pH, conductivity, dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, acidity, Nitrate and chloride) and coliform communities were investigated. Generally, results obtained did not meet the acceptable standard of the World Health Organization for potable water. 80% of sampled water sources had odour and taste problems, 10% had pH problems while 20% had elevated nitrate concentrations. Also all the sampled sites showed evidence of serious microbial pollution. This stems from the poor hygienic conditions around water sources and proximity to pit latrines and waste dump sites. Over 90% of the people in the study area depend on these contaminated shallow wells for domestic water as such cheap water treatment options like boiling and the use of chemical additives like water Guard® is highly recommended.

Highlights

A study carried out in the United states of America in 2006 concluded that the task of making safe water available, accessible and affordable for all especially in the rural areas of the world must be reduced to the household level taking into consideration the inextricable linkages between drinking water, human behaviour and daily living
The aim of this study was to examine the quality of shallow ground sources in Odaube Benue State, Nigeria
The study revealed an alkali water groundwater contaminated by nitrates and heavily polluted by coliform bacteria which is an indicator of the presence of other pathogenic species

Summary

Introduction

A study carried out in the United states of America in 2006 concluded that the task of making safe water available, accessible and affordable for all especially in the rural areas of the world must be reduced to the household level taking into consideration the inextricable linkages between drinking water, human behaviour and daily living. The study further concluded that small water supplies in rural communities are most vulnerable to contamination, have poor source waters, treatment facilities and managerial skills and have the greatest potential to transmit waterborne diseases. It was recommended in line with WHO Drinking Water Guidelines (World Health Organization – WHO, 2006), that research to identify and characterize key waterborne pathogens as health-based targets including an assessment of their risks and water safety plans is exigent (Sobsey, 2006). Despite this volume and its obvious importance, it becomes useless when it gets contaminated with unwanted substance or materials (Christopherson, 2001)

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Discussion

Conclusion