Borehole Water Sources Research Articles

Parasitic contamination of water sources in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

BackgroundAvailability of good water source is essential to every community in other to allay the risk of water-borne infection and diseases. In this study, the isolation of parasites and rate of parasitic contamination from different water sources were evaluated in Akure, Nigeria. A total of 816 water samples were collected from wells, streams, boreholes, and rain in the study areas. The samples were examined using calcium carbonate floatation and stained microscopic methods. Also, parameters (temperature, pH, and turbidity) of the different water sources were measured.ResultsOf all the water sources, stream water samples recorded the highest prevalence (45%), followed by well water (24%), rain water (21%), and borehole water having the least prevalence of 10% with significant difference. Different developmental stages of both protozoan and helminthic parasites were isolated from all the sampled water sources. Protozoa parasites isolated were Cryptosporidium parvum, Gardia spp., and Entamoeba histolytica with prevalence of 33.2, 19.9, and 13.0% respectively. Dracunculus medinensis and Enterobius vermicularis with prevalence of 10.3% and 4.0% respectively were helminthes recovered. It was observed that the occurrence of the parasites in the water sources was affected by the water parameters (temperature, pH, and turbidity). All the water sources harbored at least one parasite except for the borehole water sources in Akure North in which no parasite was isolated.ConclusionHigh parasitic contamination of these water sources imply that water should be treated before consumption to reduce the risk of contracting water-borne disease. Also, government at the local level should provide borehole water system for the communities.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Qualities of Borehole Water Sources in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the Physicochemical and Bacteriological qualities of borehole water sources in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Twenty (20) boreholes were used for the study and a total of sixty (60) water samples were collected for bacteriological analyses. All the Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ using Horiba Water Checker (Model-10). Heterotrophic Plate Count, Most Probable Number technique and Eijkman test were used for the enumeration, isolation and identification of bacteria. All analyses for Physicochemical parameters were within the acceptable limits (pH: 6.3 to 7.7; Temperature: 27 to 30; Turbidity: 0.61 to 2.01). Bacteriological quality was higher than the World Health Organisation standard recommended limits. The detection of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus and Klebsiella species in the borehole water sources that are intended for human consumption could cause one to think that water from those sources may lead to severe health risks to consumers. Hence, it is not suitable for direct human consumption without treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that onsite treatment intervention be mobilised in order to protect residents of Gokana LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria from further possible consequences of using the borehole water sources.

Assessing water quality and its relationship to selected disease patterns in Zvishavane Town, Zimbabwe

The research intended to establish the relationship between Zvishavane domestic water quality and selected disease patterns. Total levels of coliform, Escherichia Coli, chemical and other physical parameter levels in samples from selected water sources during the period March 2018 to January 2019 were evaluated. Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) commercial laboratory methods were used to analyze thirty one randomly selected sources. This quantitative research results were compared with recommended limits from Standard Association of Zimbabwe (SAZS 560:1997) and World Health Organization (WHO).Five water sources had coliform counts ranging from < 1 to 55 cfu per 100 ml and Escherichia Coli from < 1 to 28 cfu per 100 ml. Chloride levels of above 200 mg/L were obtained from eight borehole water sources. Levels of selected heavy metal ions were within the SAZS 560:1997 maximum allowable limits in all water samples. Sample levels for Mg2+ (29 %) and total hardness (32%) were above the maximum allowable levels. Tap water samples were within recommended limits for all measured parameters. Hypertension was first among the chronic disease conditions while diarrhoea and dysentery ranked second of the outpatient general diseases attended to at the Zvishavane District Hospital during 2018. 66 neonatal death were reported during the same time period. Zvishavane domestic water require research based pre-treatment methods before drinking. There is a possible link between the quality of water and the disease patterns. However these observations require further epidemiological studies to confirm the link.Keywords: Escherichia Coli, Hypertension, Diarrhoea

Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessments of Newly Dug Borehole Water Sources in Rafi Local Government, Minna, Niger State

Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessments of Newly Dug Borehole Water Sources in Rafi Local Government, Minna, Niger State

Cross-seasonal analysis of bacteriological profile of water sources as a disease risk measure

Water is a natural resource and is essential to sustain life. Poor drinking water quality is the cause of several diseases. The aim of this paper was to investigate bacteriological profile of water sources as a measure of disease risk, aimed at providing useful information towards rural water resources management. Five hundred and twenty bacterial isolates (520) were obtained from waters samples collected during the period of study. Majority of the Isolates (305) representing 58.65% of the total were obtained during the dry season, as against (205) representing 41.35% in the rainy season. There was a statistical differences (P> 0.05) of the microbes isolated seasonally. The highest occurring was Klebsiella spp. (9.83±6.99, P> 0.05) in the dry season and the least Shigella spp. P> 0.05. Furthermore dam water sources was observed to poses a high disease risk among the five water sources investigated, whiles borehole water sources possess a lower diseases risk. An alarming observation was the presences of bacteria of public health importance in the water sources. These included Shigella spp. (dysentery), Salmonella typhi (typhoid fever and acute diarrhoeal infection), Salmonella typhi (typhoid fever), and Vibrio cholerea (cholera). In a nutshell, to reduce the level of bacterial contamination of drinking water sources there should be an incessant education on issues such as: environmental awareness, (cultivation sanitation habits and ensure that their surroundings and water sources are not indiscriminately polluted), causes, modes of transmission and prevention of water and sanitation related diseases.Keywords: E. coli, water, Public health and disease

Comparative Microbial Analysis of Borehole Water and other Sources of Water in Benin Metropolis, Edo State

The comparative microbial analysis of borehole water and other sources of water in Benin metropolis, Edo state was carried out to ascertain the variation of the water quality of the different sources using standard microbiological techniques. Eight different water sources were used, which include; well waters in Ologbo and Owa, river waters in Ogbekpan and Ikpoba, rainwaters in Uwelu and Isihor, and borehole waters in Uwelu and Isihor, respectively. The mean bacteria counts ranged from 2 × 104 to 32 × 104, where the highest mean bacteria counts were observed at both Ologbo well water and Ikpoba river water. The lowest mean bacteria count was however, observed at Isihor borehole water. Bacteria counts obtained from this study were found to be higher than the accepted limit of WHO standard in all the various water samples considered. The total coliform counts ranged from 6 MPN/ml to 61 MPN/ml where the highest value was recorded in river water at Ogbekpan and lowest at Isihor borehole water. The mean faecal coliform counts were highest at Ogbekpan river water with a value of 24.7 MPN/ml and lowest at Uwelu rain water with a value of 0.3 MPN/ml, respectively). The highest mean value of fungi was obtained from rain water Uwelu with a value of 7.3 × 104 cfu/ml.

Evaluation of the Metal Content and Bacteriological Parameters of Selected Borehole Water Sources in Abakaliki, Nigeria

The quality of potable water is affected by several natural and human activities including but not limited to pollution, natural disasters, climate change, urbanization and mining. Poor water quality adversely affects human health, and it is important to periodically be on the lookout for possible water contamination in our environment. This study investigated the metal content and bacteriological profiles of selected borehole water sources in Abakaliki, Nigeria. A total of 25 borehole water samples of 250 ml each were aseptically collected from selected borehole points (designated as Site A-E) in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria using pre-sterilized plastic containers; and each of the samples was were bacteriologically analyzed on selective culture media for the isolation and identification of bacteria that are of public health importance using standard microbiology identification techniques. The presence of trace metals was chemically determined in the borehole water samples using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) [AA-7000]. The highest bacterial count in this study was 2.4 × 104 cfu/ml while the least bacteria count was 1.0 × 104 cfu/ml. The suspected bacterial organisms isolated and identified from the respective borehole water samples were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The metal content analysis using AAS showed that some of the borehole water samples contain some trace metals such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). Aluminium (Al) and lead (Pb) were not detected in the borehole water samples analyzed in this study; and the trace metals detected were found to be within the accepted limit of trace metals for drinking water as specified by Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organization (WHO). This study has presumptively reported the presence of some bacterial organisms of public health importance and some trace metals in selected borehole water samples in Abakaliki, Nigeria. The area under study is known for its high deposit of mineral resources especially lead and limestone; however, lead was not detected in the water sample and this shows that there was no infiltration of this metal from the mining site to the water sources in the region. Also, the proliferation of mining sites and their unregulated activities could also be responsible for the presence of some of these metals in the environment at concentrations that are unsafe for human use. Unsafe drinking water portends significant risk to public health over a lifetime of consumption. It is therefore important for the authorities to periodically screen water meant for human use and public consumption for the presence of potential physical, chemical and biologically contaminants that may affect the health of the populace.

ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTION HAZARDS OF GROUNDWATER RESOURCE IN ABEOKUTA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Pollution of wells and borehole water, either from point or non-point sources, has become a matter of health concern both in urban and rural areas. Groundwater is tapped for domestic uses through the con-struction of hand dug wells and boreholes. However, while providing an alternative to the public water supply sources; most of the boreholes are often located too close to possible contamination sources. Various land use and human activities such as solid waste landfills, cemetery and animal wastes, among others can result in ground water contamination. In an open or buried dumping solid waste or sanitary landfill, the organic and inorganic by-products resulting from the decomposition of wastes are leached out by the infiltration of rainfall. A release of leachate to the surrounding soil without proper collection and treatment could contaminate groundwater resources. Many of the wells and boreholes in the study area were found to be indiscriminately located and scattered among such impairing lands/features. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the pollution hazards and vulnerability of groundwater resource in Abe-okuta North Local Government Area (LGA) by sampling some boreholes from selected locations in the area. Water samples were collected and analyzed for water quality parameters using standard proce-dures. The parameters determined were Turbidity, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Solids (TS), Total hardness, cations {Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), iron (Fe)}, anions {Chloride (Cl-), Nitrate (NO3-), Sulphate (SO42-), Phosphate (PO43-)}, and heavy metals {lead (Pb2+), Zinc (Zn2+), Copper (Cu2+)}. Results were subjected to statistical evaluations using SPSS 18.0 for descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). It was observed that the elemental parameters in the bore-holes sampled have mean values of the concentrations of Fe2+, Na+, Cl- , SO42-, Pb2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ higher during the wet season relative to dry season. For the physico-chemical parameters, it was equally observed that parameters such as EC, TDS, TS, TSS were higher during the wet season than dry season while turbidity, temperature, pH and total hardness were higher during dry season than in the wet season. Water quality parameters such as Fe2+, Pb2+, NO3-, and EC have mean values greater than World Health Organization and NESREA maximum permissible standards for drinking water. Elevated values of these parameters are of great concern to public health when the water from these boreholes is consumed without treatment by people. It is recommended that well and borehole waters in this area be adequately treated before consumption using advanced inorganic removal techniques such as Nano-filtration and Reverse Osmosis to safeguard human health in the study area.Keywords: Boreholes, pollution, water quality, public health, physico-chemical

Assessment of physico-chemical quality of borehole and spring water sources supplied to Robe Town, Oromia region, Ethiopia

The study was carried out to find the physico-chemical water quality of borehole and spring water supplied to Robe Town. For this study, a total of six water samples were collected from three borehole and three spring water sources. The analyses for 14 physico-chemical parameters, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids total hardness cations (Ca2+, Mg2+), anions (NO2−, NO3−, SO42− and PO43−) and heavy metals (Fe and Mn), were done in the laboratory by adopting standard procedures suggested by the American Public Health Association (APHA). Descriptive statistics were used to describe data, while Pearson correlation was used to determine the influences of the physico-chemical variables. The single factor analysis of variance (t test) was used to determine possible differences between the borehole and spring water, while means plots were used for further structure detection. From the total samples analyzed, most of the samples comply with the water quality guidelines of Ethiopian limit, WHO and U.SEPA. The pH of the water samples from borehole groundwater source was found to be slightly acidic and bove the maximum permissible limit (MPL). High concentration of Fe and Mn that exceeds the MPL set by WHO was found in the three boreholes. The spring water sources were found to be better for drinking than borehole water sources.

Bacteriological and physicochemical parameters of some selected borehole water sources in Abakaliki metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Borehole water (groundwater) is the predominant source of water by the inhabitants of Abakaliki metropolis and it is generally considered a safe source of drinking water by the populace. This study was therefore, designed to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of borehole water samples in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of twenty-five (25) water samples were collected from five (5) different locations (designated as point A, B, C, D and E) in Abakaliki and the temperature readings were taken at the site of collection. The physico-chemical parameters (turbidity, pH, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, phosphates, sulphates), microbiological and metal content were determined using standard techniques. Furthermore, the pathogens isolated were subjected to antibiotics susceptibility testing using disc diffusion method. Results: The results of the microbiological study revealed that the bacterial pathogens isolated in this study include E. coli (40%), Staphylococcus aureus (32%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16%) and Klebsiella spp (12%). The borehole water was of low turbidity, colourless, odourless, and with ambient temperature. The values of the bacteria counts were 2.4x104 cfu/ml for bacteria pathogen isolated from location A, 2.3x103 cfu/ml for location B and location C, 2.1x104 cfu/ml for location E and 1.0x104 cfu/ml for location D. Antibiotic susceptibility studies showed that all isolated bacteria pathogens were highly resistant to most of the tested antibiotic especially nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, cefoxitin, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim, tobramycin, ofloxacin and erythromycin. Conclusions: Findings from our study revealed that the borehole water analyzed within Abakaliki metropolis contained bacteria that are of public health importance including E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp . The physical and chemical parameters of the water samples were found to be within the maximum accepted limits for drinking water with optimal physical and chemical properties. It was also discovered in this study that the isolated bacteria showed reduced susceptibility to some conventional antibiotics. It is therefore recommended that periodic assessment of the physicochemical and microbiological properties of borehole water in this area be carried out on water sources for public use in order to avoid the outbreak of some waterborne infections amongst the populace.

English

In the present study, the physical and chemical quality of several borehole water sources, used by rural schools in Greater Giyani Municipality, were assessed to determine their safety for human consumption. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and ion chromatography were used to determine the chemical quality of water sources. The pH of the water samples varied between 5.29 and 8.3 and tended to be lower in summer and higher in winter. The turbidity values varied between 6.17 and 44.7 NTU in some of the schools. High concentrations of magnesium and total hardness were obtained from all water sources. Calcium concentrations were high in some schools. Anions such as chloride and sulphate were within the recommended Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) limits except for two sampling points. High concentrations of nitrates were obtained from all schools except in Nyanisi high school. There were no fluorides and phosphates from all schools. Heavy metals like arsenic, iron, cadmium and lead were within the recommended DWAF limits. The results obtained in this study indicate that the water from the studied boreholes is not suitable for human consumption based on hardness and nitrate content and may pose a serious threat to the health of the consumers and therefore calls for urgent intervention in order to reduce such chemicals and preserve the health of the children. Key words: Physico-chemical water quality, borehole, primary schools, Giyani, South Africa.

Occurrence and health implications of high concentrations of Cadmium and Arsenic in drinking water sources in selected towns of Ogun State, South West, Nigeria

Selected biomakers, Cholinesterase (ChE) and phagocytic activities have been investigated with the exposed green mussel Perna viridis in Indonesian coastal waters. An operative effect-based monitoring on two polluted sites and one reference area were investigated for aquaculture enterprises and human health aspects. Between two heavily polluted sites, green mussels from Cilincing indicated a lower level of the ChE activity than those from Kamal Muara. The phagocytic activity of green mussels from the polluted sites demonstrated significant higher activity than that of green mussels from the pristine site, Pangkep. However, there were no significant differences of phagocytic activities between the polluted sites. This might indicate that the existing pollutants in Jakarta Bay were more neurotoxic rather than immonotoxic substances. The results showed clearly that both selected biomarkers were potential valuable tools for effect-based monitoring and pollution impacts in coastal zones of Indonesia. Key words: Green mussel, biomarkers, coastal zone management, Indonesia.

Radionuclide Contents and Physicochemical Water Quality Indicators in Stream, Well and Borehole Water Sources in High Radiation Area of Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria

Water samples from streams, hand-dug wells and boreholes in high background radiation areas in Abeokuta, Nigeria have been collected in order to determine the activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in the samples as well as their physicochemical characteristics. These parameters were evaluated in order to deter-mine the quality of these water sources to the local population, who use these water resources for drinking and domestic activities. Measurements of radioactivity in the water samples were carried out using γ-ray spectroscopy, while standard chemistry methods were used for the physicochemical determinations of these quality parameters. A total of fourteen representative water samples from streams (7), boreholes (4), and hand dug wells (3) were collected for study. The determined activity concentrations of the radionuclides in these samples were used to calculate the effective dose to the population from due to ingestion of and drink-ing the locally available water. The total annual ingestion effective doses were found to vary between 115.00 ± 1.15μSv and 1362.30 ± 438.02 μSv. The physicochemical parameters where found to be lower than the prescribed standard safe limits in the water sources except for the nitrate and phosphate levels which were particularly high in the water samples from boreholes and hand-dug wells. The radiation effective ingestion dose due to ingestion of water from dug wells and streams was found to be higher than the dose due to inges-tion of water from borehole sources in the studied areas. The results obtained in this study, have been taken as a baselines for physicochemical parameters and activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in water samples within Odeda and Obafemi-owode parts of Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Microbial community analysis of drinking water sources from rural areas of Zimbabwe

Traditional methods employing selective, differential and non-selective media were used to isolate and identify different species of bacteria from rural drinking water reservoirs of Mount Darwin district of Zimbabwe. The colony counts from non-selective nutrient agar plates gave an indication of the overall level of bacterial activity from each water sample. Open deep wells, shallow wells and rivers were found to be the most heavily contaminated water sources. Borehole water sources had very low total microbial loads and absent in some of the water samples. The prevalent bacteria found were the Gram negative Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Enterobacter aerogenes and one cocci species that was not further characterized. The presence of faecal pathogenic species in the river water and open wells poses epidemiological cases of diarrhoeal diseases in the district studied. Key words: Drinking water, microbial analysis, faecal bacteria, bacteriophages, phenotypic.

Borehole drainage and its implications for the investigation of glacier hydrology: experiences from Haut Glacier d'Arolla, Switzerland

AbstractStudies of glacier hydrology rely increasingly on measurements made in boreholes as a basis for reconstructing the character and behaviour of subglacial drainage systems. In temperate glaciers, in which boreholes remain open to the atmosphere following drilling, the interpretation of such data may be complicated by supraglacial or englacial water flows to and from boreholes.We report on a suite of techniques used to identify borehole water sources and to reconstruct patterns of water circulation within boreholes at Haut Glacier d'Arolla, Switzerland. Results are used to define a number of borehole ‘drainage’ types. Examples of each drainage type are presented, along with the manner in which they influence interpretations of borehole water‐levels, borehole water‐quality data, and borehole dye traces. The analysis indicates that a full understanding of possible borehole drainage modes is required for the correct interpretation of many borehole observations, and that those observations provide an accurate indication of subglacial conditions only under relatively restricted circumstances. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

THE USE OF BOREHOLE VIDEO IN INVESTIGATING THE HYDROLOGY OF A TEMPERATE GLACIER

A GeoVision Micro™ colour video camera was used to investigate the internal structure of 11 boreholes at Haut Glacier d'Arolla, Switzerland. The boreholes were distributed across a half-section of the glacier, with closest spacing towards the glacier margin. The boreholes were used to investigate the hydrology of the glacier through automatic monitoring of borehole water level and electrical conductivity (EC) at the glacier bed. EC profiling was undertaken in several boreholes to determine the existence of water quality stratification. Temporal variations in EC stratification were used to infer borehole water sources and patterns of water circulation. Borehole video was used to confirm the conclusions made from these indirect sources of evidence, and to provide an independent source of information on the structure and hydrology of this temperate valley glacier. The video showed variations in water turbidity, englacial channels and voids, conditions at the glacier bed and down-borehole changes in ice structure. Based on the video observations, englacial channels accounted for approximately 0·1% of the vertical ice thickness, and englacial voids for approximately 0·4%. Overall, the video images provided useful qualitative and semi-quantitative data that reinforce interpretations of a range of physical and chemical parameters measured in boreholes. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

THE USE OF BOREHOLE VIDEO IN INVESTIGATING THE HYDROLOGY OF A TEMPERATE GLACIER

A GeoVision Micro™ colour video camera was used to investigate the internal structure of 11 boreholes at Haut Glacier d'Arolla, Switzerland. The boreholes were distributed across a half-section of the glacier, with closest spacing towards the glacier margin. The boreholes were used to investigate the hydrology of the glacier through automatic monitoring of borehole water level and electrical conductivity (EC) at the glacier bed. EC profiling was undertaken in several boreholes to determine the existence of water quality stratification. Temporal variations in EC stratification were used to infer borehole water sources and patterns of water circulation. Borehole video was used to confirm the conclusions made from these indirect sources of evidence, and to provide an independent source of information on the structure and hydrology of this temperate valley glacier. The video showed variations in water turbidity, englacial channels and voids, conditions at the glacier bed and down-borehole changes in ice structure. Based on the video observations, englacial channels accounted for approximately 0·1% of the vertical ice thickness, and englacial voids for approximately 0·4%. Overall, the video images provided useful qualitative and semi-quantitative data that reinforce interpretations of a range of physical and chemical parameters measured in boreholes. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.