Contaminants Evaluation as Indicators of Water Quality in Ago‐Iwoye, Southwestern, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluates some functional parameters of well water in a densely populated university town, Ago‐Iwoye, South‐western, Nigeria. Well water samples were collected at ten sites across the town. Analysis of the presence of Coliform count, Salmonella count, standard plate count, physico‐ chemical properties (14 elements and 2 physical parameters) as indicators of water contaminants in the wells in the study area were carried out on the water samples. 40 % of the well samples were contaminated with coliform while 20% were contaminated with salmonella indicating the source of contamination (fecal contaminant). Further analysis revealed that most of the wells have their mineral values within the tolerant level according to WHO standard, however the two most toxic chemicals from the recommendations of WHO were identified in wells 2,3,5 and 10 with values exceeding tolerant level of 0.05 mg/l for lead and 2.56mg/l value for nitrate in well 2.Results confirm the presence of bacteria growth of such samples, highly dangerous to life. Also wells 2, 4, & 8 were contaminated with excess concentration of Iron (Fe) mineral which could make the water tasty and have bacteria growth while wells 1, 2, 3, & 7 have excess concentrations of Copper (Cu) mineral which could cause a stringent taste.