Abstract
The importance of good quality water cannot be over emphasized. This is because it is only next to air as a critical sustainer of life therefore it is appropriate to evaluate its quality and quantity. A total number of thirteen water samples were investigated in this study: Nine samples from different surface water bodies, two samples from two effluent sources, one spring and one tap water sample were collected and used in the analyses. The objectives of the study are to assess, ascertain and evaluate the level, degree and type of pollution that characterize the surface water resources of Enugu area of southeastern Nigeria in terms of physico-chemical and bacterialogical constituents. Field measurements of physical parameters were preceded by chemical analyses of the samples for major ions concentrations and bacteriological content. Evaluation of the results showed that the waters are fresh and soft (Hardness ranges is 4.00 to 53.00mgl - l). The pH range is from 4.32 to 7.11 and these value fall within the acceptable limit of water for domestic use. Major ion concentrations were low and within the WHO guidelines for drinking water indicating chemical suitability of surface water. All the water samples tested positive to total bacterial count and E-coli. and this is evidence of faecal contamination and should be treated/disinfected before consumption. KEYWORDS : Freshwater, Chemical, Microbiological, Constituents, Enugu area, Nigeria
Highlights
The study area is in the humid tropics lying within latitudes 50 56’ 42’’N to 60 27’ 3.6’’N and longitudes 7o I’ 30’’E to 70 43’ 4.6’’E
The hydrogen ion concentration (PH) of surface water ranges from 4.32 to 7.11. These values fall within the acceptable limit for domestic use (WHO, 1971), and it is good for drinking and other domestic uses
The variation in colour was as a result of nature of constituents dissolved in water and effects of sediments transported from different source areas by running waters(run off)
Summary
The study area is in the humid tropics lying within latitudes 50 56’ 42’’N to 60 27’ 3.6’’N and longitudes 7o I’ 30’’E to 70 43’ 4.6’’E. The study area comprises Enugu the state capital and areas like Ezeagu, Udi, Nkanu, Oji River and some parts of Awgu and Aninri local government areas of Enugu state. Surface water resources in the study area like elsewhere in the world is a crucial resource with great implications for economic development since people relies heavily on it for various uses such as domestic agriculture and industrial purposes. The study area is predominantly sedimentary terrain and is characterized with occurrence of numerous surface water bodies. These surface water bodies are prone to impacts from anthropogenic activities apart from geogenic solute inputs from dissolved minerals
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