Groundwater Quality Assessment in Ebubu Community, Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the drinking water quality of Ebubu community in Eleme between June 2015 and August 2015. Water samples were collected from ten functional boreholes using standard techniques. Physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, Total hardness, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Bicarbonate, Carbonate, Chloride, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulphate, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium and Calcium), toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Ni and Co) and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels were assessed using standard analytical protocols. Values recorded for physicochemical parameters (except for Magnesium and Calcium) were within the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. All elements under study were detected at the ten locations. The mean value of Cadmium (0.361 ± 0.381 mg/L) was observed to be the highest of all heavy metals assayed. The levels of the heavy metals in the study area were found to be in the order: Cadmium (0.361 ± 0.381 mg/L)>Lead (0.117 ± 0.056 mg/L)>Nickel (0.042 ± 0.0281 mg/L)>Cobalt (0.010 ± 0.009 mg/L) in the water samples. These values were above the WHO and NIS limits. PAHs were all <0.01 mg/L. The water quality parameters varied across the sampling periods (June and August); apart from Cd whose mean value was higher during the month of June, but lower during the month of August, all other toxic metals (Ni, Pb, and Co) and physicochemical properties were higher during the month of August. The groundwater from the community is therefore, unsafe for drinking purpose due to elevated levels of toxic metals. In light of these findings, periodic analysis of samples from boreholes is inevitable. Such analysis will reveal pollution status of groundwater in this area and to determine the best method for water treatment, to intimate consumers and other users of the groundwater, and also to safeguard their health against the subsequent impact that may arise from drinking polluted water.