PHYSIOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT ON BOREHOLE WATER QUALITY IN UYO METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the physiochemical variation of borehole water (groundwater) quality in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria. The flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze the level of chemical concentration in the borehole water sample whereas a physical visibility survey was used to ascertain the quality of the borehole. Groundwater using the parameter in comparison with WHO permissible limits. A total of five (5) groundwater samples were collected in triplicates from public boreholes located at IBB way, Mechanic Village, Uyo Urban, Nwaniba road and Ewet Housing Estate. The data for previous analysis was gotten from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Uyo and new analysis was conducted on recent samples gotten from the five stations. The groundwater samples were analyzed in the laboratory for their physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics. On comparing the results with standard values recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), it was discovered that most of the groundwater samples were within permissible limits with slight variation across the locations. However, the pH of the groundwater samples was not within the permissible limit of 6.50mg/l – 8.50mg/l in three different locations which are Nwaniba, Uyo Urban and Mechanic Village with pH values of 5.57, 5.14 and 5.00. Total hardness of the groundwater samples with values of 43.0 mg/l, 12.0 mg/l, 15.0 mg/l, 5.0 mg/l and 59.0 mg/l respectively. Several other parameters also got slight differences. The study found out that minimal treatment is required in the study area and recommends continuous monitoring of the groundwater supply to keep the quality in check.