Abstract
Water is directly linked to human and animal health, so it has to be suitable for drinking. Its suitability depends on its characteristics. The objective of this study is to determine the quality and suitability of groundwater of Osisioma Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Aba, Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria, for drinking and domestic purposes or otherwise, through physiochemical analysis. Five (5) samples of borehole water were collected and analyzed. The physiochemical analysis showed that the water is tasteless, odorless and colourless. It was determined to be free from heavy metals contamination, like Lead, Arsenic, Mercury and Barium. Aluminum and Manganese were also not detected. A mean pH of 6.3 was recorded, while the highest calcium Hardness value recorded out of the five samples was 15mg/L. This indicates that the water is soft. Conductivity is low, (23µs/cm â 145 µs/cm). The chloride concentration is also low (11mg/L-22mg/L) while an average value of 0.15mg/l of magnesium was detected. Copper falls within the range of 0.1mg/l to 0.14mg/l, Phosphate ranged from 0.04mg/l â 0.7mg/l and Zinc from 0.29mg/l â 0.34mg/l. All of these values are within the permissible limits of WHO drinking water standards.. Total Dissolved Solid was found to be, between 10mg/L and 67mg/L. The groundwater was found to be safe, therefore the people of this area do not stand the health risk associated with heavy metals contaminated drinking water.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call