Abstract
The non-functional public water supply in most urban areas has compelled residents to resort to the use of stream water for drinking and domestic purposes. The study examined physiochemical and microbiological quality of Imabolo stream water in Ankpa urban Kogi State, Nigeria. Thus, the purpose was to ascertain whether those who depend on this stream are exposed to health risks. To achieve this aim, water samples were collected from seven locations along the stream reach in March, 2014. In situ and laboratory analysis of eighteen physico-chemicals and two microbiological parameters were carried out according to standard procedures. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were employed to analyze the data obtained from the laboratory analysis. The results were also compared with WHO and NSDWQ standard for drinking water quality. The analysis revealed that six samples had elevated values of parameters above the recommended limits for human consumption. The results revealed variations in the concentrations of parameters in water samples among stations for temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved sold, turbidity, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, sulphate, iron, calcium, lead, cadmium, alkalinity, total hardness, total coliforms and escherichia coli in analyzed water samples. The study advances appropriate recommendations to remediate and improve the quality of the stream water in order to meet the water demands of the growing urban population. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s4p549
Highlights
Poor water quality is a significant global issue, and it is responsible for most diseases and deaths (WHO, 2005)
Level of stream water pollution in the study area was interpreted by comparing the mean values of the tested water quality indicators with the 2011 World Health Organization (WHO) and 2007 Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) water standards
The analysis revealed that the observed Total hardness for the season was within the WHO and NSDWQ recommended standards (500mg/l) for domestic uses
Summary
Poor water quality is a significant global issue, and it is responsible for most diseases and deaths (WHO, 2005). Ensuring good water quality is a basic factor in guaranteeing public health, the protection of the environment and sustainable development (Ranjini et al, 2010). Water of good drinking quality is of primary importance to human physiology, and man’s continued existence largely depends on its availability (Lemikanra, 1999; FAO, 1997). Waterrelated diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, bilharzias, etc. The World Health Organization had stressed that the single major factor adversely influencing the general health and life expectancy of a population in many parts of the world, developing countries, is the lack of ready access to safe drinking water (Hoko, 2005). The utility of any water depends on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of such water (Sunitha et al, 2012)
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