Hand-dug Wells Research Articles

Outcome of the first survey of atrazine in drinking water from Ijebu-North, South-West, Nigeria: Human health risk and neurotoxicological implications

No recognised study has been conducted to monitor atrazine residue in drinking water from rural agricultural areas in Nigeria and its potential health implications. In this ecotoxicological study, we monitored atrazine residue in 69 hand-dug wells (HDW), 40 boreholes (BH) and 4 major streams from all the 6 communities (Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu-Igbo, Oru, Awa, Ilaporu and Mamu) in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Southwest Nigeria. Values of atrazine obtained were further used to evaluate the non-carcinogenic risk associated with ingestion and dermal contact in adults and children as well as neurotoxicity assessment. A total of 41 HDW, 22 BH and the 4 streams were tested positive for atrazine, which was higher in HDW than BH and stream. Ago-Iwoye recorded the highest concentration of 0.08 mg/L in its HDW while the lowest concentration of 0.01 mg/L was recorded in HDW from Oru. Hazard Index values associated with ingestion and dermal for children and adults were below the acceptable limit. Atrazine at 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L concentrations appears to trigger defence mechanisms capable of protecting the structural integrity of the brain, but significant (p < 0.05) alterations in the oxidative stress parameters, acetylcholinesterase activity, membrane-bound ATPase enzymes, neurotransmitters as well as mild degenerative changes were observed in the brain of rats exposed to atrazine at 0.08 mg/L. Atrazine at 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L concentrations found in drinking water from Ijebu-North may not pose any threat to brain function, but concern should be raised at 0.08 mg/L.

Risk Assessment of Natural Radionuclides in Surface and Ground Water of Oil and Gas Producing Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria

The natural radioactivity and radiological health risk associated with the use of water from hand-dug wells, tap/boreholes and river/creeks in three communities with history of oil spillage, gas flaring, oil bunkering and operation of illegal artisanal oil refining activities in Rivers State, Nigeria was here assessed and measured with gamma ray spectroscopy. The results showed that the mean activity concentration of water samples for hand-dug well water ranged from 11.94±1.12 to 12.77± 1.12Bq/l for 238U, 7.88±1.05 to 9.20±1.82Bq/l for 232Th and 13.50±0.62 to 20.13±3.88Bq/l for 40K. The mean activity concentration for the tap/borehole water ranged from 2.42±0.45Bq/l to 5.31±0.80Bq/l for 238U, 1.02±1.01 to 2.24±0.90Bq/l for 232Th and 9.71±5.04 to 11.73±3.77Bq/l for 40K. The 238U, 232Th and 40K activity concentrations in the river/creek waters ranged respectively from 6.81±0.80 to 8.82±1.20Bq/l, 4.25±0.65 to 9.52±1.16Bq/l and 25.01±3.23 to 30.03±1.96Bq/l. These values are higher than the mean activity concentrations of the 3 radionuclides in the control samples and some are higher than the international permissible standards. Results further revealed that there was statistically significant difference at p

Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation purposes in ilesha West local government, Osun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the suitability of different groundwater resources in a basement complex of Ilesha West Local Govt. Area (LGA) for irrigation purposes. A total of 207 water samples were collected from hand-dug wells, boreholes and springs during the peak periods of wet and dry seasons. The physicochemical characteristics (pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), Alkalinity, Hardness), basic cations, anions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl−, NO3−) and heavy metals (Pb2+, Cr2+, Fe2+ and As5+) present were determined. The results were subjected to irrigation quality models such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelly ratio (KR), sodium hazard (SH), permeability index (PI) and magnesium hazard (MH). To reveal the hydro-geochemical facies of the groundwater, Piper and Durov diagrams were plotted using the geochemist workbench sheet (GWB) software. A maximum SAR value of 6.0197 was recorded in the hand-dug wells during the dry season and the mean concentration of Cr2+ was observed to be higher than the recommended limits for irrigation. The percentage suitability of the water sources for irrigation purposes are 76%, 94%, 46% and 96% for SH, PS, KR, and MH models, respectively. Piper and Durov's diagrams revealed Na++ K+ (80%), Ca+ (90%) and HCO3− ​+ ​CO3−, Cl−. as the dominant cations, and anions respectively. Additional Hydro-geochemical plots revealed intermixing of the cations and anions, suggesting the dissolution of carbonate and silicate minerals from the parent soil or rock. Generally, the groundwater in the study area is suitable for irrigation, but the sustainability based on quantity should be investigated.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Resistance Genes in Isolates from Ghanaian Drinking Water Sources.

The control of infectious diseases is seriously threatened by the increase in the number of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial agents. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have also been identified in the water environment. A field study was performed sampling drinking water sources in seven districts of southern Ghana targeting boreholes, dams, hand-dug wells, and streams during baseflow conditions. Bacteria were isolated (N = 110) from a total of 67 water samples to investigate their antimicrobial susceptibility and to determine their carriage of select antibiotic resistance genes. Bacterial identification was performed using conventional selective media methods and the analytical profile index (API) method. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out using the Kirby–Bauer method. Results indicated that all water sources tested were of poor quality based on the presence of fecal indicator organisms. The most commonly occurring bacterium isolated from water was Klebsiella spp. (N = 24, 21.8%), followed by E. coli (N = 23, 20.9%). Gram-negative bacteria isolates were most commonly resistant to cefuroxime (24.5%), while the Gram-positives were most commonly resistant to meropenem (21.3%). The highest rates of bacterial resistances to more than one antibiotic were observed in Klebsiella spp. (30.0%) followed by E. coli (27.8%). PCR was used to detect the presence of a select antibiotic resistance genes in the Gram-negative isolates. The presence of blaNDM-1, sull, tet(O), and tet(W) were observed in isolates from all water sources. In contrast, ermF was not detected in any of the Gram-negative isolates from any water source. Most (28.7%) of the resistance genes were observed in E. coli isolates. Reducing microbial contamination of the various water sources is needed to protect public health and to ensure the sustainability of this resource. This further calls for education of the citizenry.

ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY USING WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI) METHOD IN SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

This study aims at using Water Quality Index (WQI) method for groundwater assessment in some communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of fifteen (15) communities within the LGA were selected and groundwater from hand-dug well (HDW-15 samples) and borehole (BH-15 samples) was sourced during the wet season (July) and dry season (March). The analyses for water quality index was carried out through laboratory APHA standard. The weighted arithmetic water quality method was applied to assess water suitability for drinking purposes. The Quality Index indicated that HDW (67%-good and 33%-poor) and BH (87%-excellent, 13%-very poor) quality during the wet season and HDW (80%- good to excellent, 20%-poor) and BH (100%- good to excellent) during dry season. Spatial variation of water quality index maps for HDW show most deteriorated groundwater quality is centered within hand dug well towards the western part of the area during both wet and dry seasons respectively. Continuous monitoring of the water quality, improvement of environmental quality and sanitation practices is advocated and advised.

Groundwater Quality for Irrigation Purposes and Classification for Hydrochemical Facies in Parts of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

As a result of economic development and rapid growth of the population in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, there have been clear changes in the use of land, resulting in increased demand for water for various uses including agricultural activities. This study examined groundwater quality and classification of hydrochemical facies of communities in the study area. Fifteen (15) communities within the LGA were selected and groundwater from hand-dug well (HDW-15 samples) and borehole (BH-15 samples) was sourced during the wet season (July) and dry season (March) and analyzed for seasonal variation, irrigation purposes and hydrochemical facies classification using a standard method. Based on Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) classification scheme, all groundwater sources in the area are excellent for irrigation purposes because they all have SAR values <3. This implies that SAR values of <3 will not threaten vegetation. The value of sodium percentage (Na%) ranges from 29.81% to 66.13% and 23.30% to 71.89% for hand dug wells in both wet and dry seasons. Similarly, the value of Na% ranged from 3.57% to 16.32% and 3.38% to 19.60% for borehole water in both wet and dry seasons. The groundwater hydrochemistry facies analysis indicated that there was an adjustment in groundwater chemistry during dry season while HDW and BH are linked to different sources. Groundwater in the communities are contaminated for both sources and season; however, showed potential for irrigational purpose. There is a need for continuous monitoring of the water quality, improvement in environmental and sanitation practices while treatment of water is strongly advised.

Assessment of Groundwater Drinking Sources in Eku and Its Environs, in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria

This study assessed the quality of hand-dug drinking water sources in Eku and its environs at Eku I, Samagidi, Eku 2, and Okuechi, using the weighted arithmetic water quality index method. Water samples collected from hand-dug wells at these locations returned values for analyzed parameters. Temperature 26 – 30(⁰C), dissolved Oxygen (D.O) 5.2-8mg/l, biological oxygen demand (BOD) 5.2-8(mg/l), Electrical Conductivity (EC) 77-119(µS/cm), Total suspended solids were (TSS) 20000-120000(mg/l), pH 5.31-7.09, Phosphates 2-9.2(mg/l), Alkalinity 28-160(mg/l), Turbidity, 0.02 -0.19(NTU) Total coliform 2 -48 (cfu/ml) and fungal count 1-502. Variations in the values of these parameters were only significant for phosphate, alkalinity, and turbidity between Samagidi and Okuechi at a level of significance of p≤0.05. D.O, BOD, phosphates, total coliform and TSS levels, exceeded standards recommended by NSDWQ/WHO, rendering these water sources unsuitable for drinking purposes. Cluster analysis revealed three cluster groups; cluster 1(Eku2), cluster 2(Samagidi), and cluster 3(Eku1 and Okuechi), while factor analysis showed a strong correlation with pH, D.O, BOD, phosphate, conductivity, total coliform and fungal counts with water sources in the study stations. The calculated WQI for these water sources is 107.56, 95.18, 103.45, and 110.36 for Eku I, Samagidi, Eku 2, and Okuechi, respectively, classifying them as very poor water quality and unsuitable for drinking purposes. Indiscriminate waste disposal, surface runoff and poor sanitary facilities, and the exposed nature of these wells are major contributors to the deterioration of these wells.

Measurement of Gross Alpha and Beta Activity Concentrations in Drinking Water from Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations of eighteen water samples, consisting of boreholes and Hand-dug wells from Sabon Gari Local government area of Kaduna StateNigeria have been analyzed using, the potable single channel gas free MPC-2000B-DP detector. The results show that alpha and beta activity concentrations range from 0.96 × 10-2 Bq/L to 47.00 ×10-2 Bq/L and from 0.309 × 10-2 Bq/L to 310.40 × 10-2 Bq/L, for gross alpha and gross beta respectively. It is observed that in the overall samples, the gross alpha activity concentrations were below the 0.5 Bq/L maximum allowable limits for drinking water as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). However, for the gross beta activity concentration, eleven (11) percent of the samples, have their activity concentrations greater than the 1.0 Bq/L maximum allowable limits for drinking water as recommended by the WHO. This high beta activity concentration in these areas might be due to the waste generated from industries and hospitals or as a result of the nature of farming activities occurring in the areas. Largely, results obtained are seen to be in agreement with reports from other authors within and outside Nigeria.

Assessment of effects of a Cemetery leachate on Groundwater Quality using an Integrated Approach

The dependency of residents in the vicinity of cemeteries on groundwater from hand-dug wells as an alternative source of water supply for their domestic use without cognisance of the quality of such water has been a concern. So, this research assesses the effects of a cemetery on groundwater quality using an integrated approach in Edunabon, South-western Nigeria. Thirty groundwater samples from available hand-dug wells were collected and analysed for various physicochemical parameters. GIS cloud data collection server and Mobile Data Collector (MDC) were used to obtain these hand-dug wells' locations and spatial distributions. The determination in variation in physicochemical concentration parameters was obtained using the curve fitting technique of ARCVIEW GIS software and digital map. Physicochemical results were used to calculate Water Quality Index (WQI) of each sample. Two Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) of 130.0m long were conducted at 10.0m intervals to the wall and the next VES, on each side of the cemetery. Current spacing (AB/2) and apparent resistivity (ρa) data were plotted on a double logarithm paper, curved matched and iterated using IPI2Win software for qualitative and quantitative interpretation. WQI results ranged from (107.37–173.64), (76.60–93.37), (54.94–71.53), (31.29–48.01), and (10.84–25.31) for fourteen, seven, three, four and two hand-dug wells respectively, an indication that the water from these wells was unfit for drinking, very poor, poor, good, and excellent respectively. VES results revealed that first, second and third layers were mainly clayey topsoil (46.7–96.8Ωm), lateritic soil (169.0–551.3Ωm), and weathered layer (3.21–27.4Ωm), which favourably enhances the migration of leachate from the cemetery to the surrounding soils and groundwater. The lowest resistivity values recorded in the second and third layers indicated leachate presence at these hand-dug wells. The integration of GIS and electrical resistivity methods would be useful tools to assess groundwater quality around cemeteries. Keywords: Groundwater quality, Mobile Data Collection, unfit for drinking, Vertical Electrical Sounding, Water Quality index

Evaluation of the Influence of Some Abiotic Factors on the Microbiological Quality of Groundwater in Soa Sub-division, Cameroon, Africa

Groundwater samples were collected during April and August 2016 from five hand-dug wells in Soa subdivision, Cameroon, Africa, with the aim to assess the microbiological quality of them and the health risk they (it) posed to the population in the study area. The low piezometric levels (9 – 20 m) and the little variation in curb-stone heights (0.58 – 1.05 m) suggest that the wells are vulnerable to pollution. The physicochemical parameters show that the groundwater of Soa is acidic and poorly mineralized. The residents (population that is) dominated by students are not connected to the supply of water, making them to take recourse to groundwater for potable and general domestic use. Bacteriological analysis of the water samples focused on the search and listing of heterotrophic mesophilic aerobic bacteria (HAMB). Also, bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family were isolated, identified and listed (Escherichia, Klebsiella, Shigella, Citrobacter, Providencia). The analyses were carried out through standard, selective and conventional gallery culture media, using surface spreading, streaking and sub-culturing techniques. Different ions were also measured for the physicochemical component according to the usual analytical techniques. The low values of oxidability recorded clearly indicated the organic pollution of the study area. The organic matter was found largely influencing the increase in bacterial load (which is high and varied). The presence of these germs degrades the quality of the water, which varies from one site to the other, with the important factors being the proximity of the sources of pollution to the well and its poor maintenance. As local populations are using these ground waters without any prior treatment, they are prone to health risks over the period time.

Effect of some toxic metals in drinking water on male reproductive hormones

Objective: Drinking water contaminated with toxic metals can be a leading cause of infertility in males. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of some toxic metals and trace elements in drinking water and reproductive hormone levels in males who drink water from these sources in Sabongida-Ora , Edo State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: A total of 90 subjects consisting of 30 subjects who drink borehole water, 30 subjects who drink water from hand-dug well, and 30 subjects who drink table water, aged between 18 and 45 years, were recruited for this study. Serum reproductive hormones were analyzed using ELISA method. Blood lead, cadmium, serum zinc, and copper were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Blood Cd and Pb levels were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in hand-dug, borehole and treated water consumers while serum Zn level was significantly lower P&lt;0.05) in hand-dug well and borehole water consumers than treated table water consumers. The serum Cu level was not significantly different between the groups. The reproductive hormones were significantly lower among hand-dug well and borehole water consumers than treated table water consumers (p&lt;0.05), while PROL(P&lt;0.05) was significantly higher among hand-dug well, borehole water consumers than treated water consumers. Serum PROL correlated positively with Pb (r=0.443; P&lt;0.05) and negatively with serum Zn (r=-0.404; P&lt;0.05) while T correlated positively (r=0.542; P&lt;0.005) with Zn. Similarly, FSH correlated negatively with Pb (r=-0.398; P&lt;0.05) and positively with Zn (r=0.422;P&lt;0.05), while LH correlated inversely with Cd (r=-0.622;P&lt;0.05) and positively with Zn (r=0.745; P&lt;0.05). Expectedly, Cd and Pb were higher while Cu and Zn were lower in hand-dug well water consumers than borehole water consumers. Conclusion: Water consumption from hand-dug wells may have adverse reproductive sequelae among consumers.

Determination of the Spread of Heavy Metal from Ori-Ile Battery Waste Dumpsite Using Electrical Resistivity Method

Abstract Contaminants from waste dumpsites have become sources of concern. Disposed wastes (Heavy metal) from battery industries could contaminate soil, agricultural plants, and groundwater. Therefore, this study aimed at the determination of the migration of heavy metal (Lead) from a Battery Waste Dumpsite using the electrical resistivity method. Using Schlumberger array, fifteen (15) Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out around a Battery Waste Dumpsite in Ori –Ile, Ikumapaiyi at Olodo community, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Preliminary analyses of VES data were performed and were fed into software (WINRESIST 1.0) for qualitative interpretation to reveal apparent resistivity values, the number of layers, and thickness. Three and four layers of topsoil, sandy-clayed, weathered/fractured basement, and basement were obtained. Various values of lowest apparent resistivity and depths of penetration of leached lead on the four sides of the battery waste dumpsite were obtained. The lowest apparent resistivity values obtained were converted to apparent conductivity and plotted against the distance of each VES point. Five collected water samples from available hand-dug wells around the dumpsite were analyzed for the presence of lead using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Graph of apparent conductivity against VES distance indicated a decrease in conductivities with distance, an indication of reduction of Concentration of lead with distance. The level of Lead ranged from 0.081 to 0.770 mg/L which was above the tolerance level of 0.01 mg/L of WHO and SON, an indication of heavy metal pollution in groundwater. This study has established that lead ions were present in groundwater and had spread to a distance of 80 m from the battery waste dumpsite and were more pronounced on the southern region of the dumpsite.

Geochemometric approach to groundwater quality and health risk assessment of heavy metals of Yankari Game Reserve and its environs, Northeast Nigeria

A popular eco-tourist destination happy haven, renowned for its distinctive groundwater springs, wildlife population and endowed with notable archeologic monuments and other appealing characteristics, thus the need for a baseline survey of the physiochemical measurements to ascertain the concentrations of major cations and heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, and Pb)), their distribution across the sampling locations and to investigate the origin of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) due to threats from anthropogenic and geogenic processes to its quality to evaluating its suitability for drinking, and the risk imposed on human health through the use of Water Quality Index (WQI), Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI). Concentrations of forty-one water samples from twenty natural springs, fifteen boreholes, five hand-dug wells, and a stream a were detected. Nine heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Li, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Ni) were analysed with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) and the data using different multivariate statistical approaches. Five component types; 24.40%, 14.50%, 12.10%, 9.64% and 9.24% extracted accounted for 69.79% total variance. The dominant variables derived from PCA's five components indicated the influence of the weathering of anhydrous carbonate, which released major cations and the PTEs. Calculated HQs and HI for adults and children were generally less than one (HQ < 1), indicating less or no potential carcinogenic, except for a heavy metal Cd. It exhibits an HQ and HI > 1, for children ingesting water from all the water sources. Hand-dug wells and surface water from the stream had HQ and HI > 1 for Cd for adults, which may not be harmful but with overtime exposure and may require monitoring; otherwise, it may pose more threats to adults and children with time.

Groundwater Quality Assessment Using Multivariate Analysis and Water Quality Index in some Saline Fields of Central Nigeria

The groundwater of Awe-Keana saline fields in central Nigeria was studied to investigate physicochemical processes that influence its groundwater chemistry and quality and hence determine its quality for drinking and irrigation purposes. Twenty groundwater samples were collected from hand-dug wells and boreholes for the purpose of identifying the hydrochemical characteristics and assessing the quality of groundwater of the Awe-Keana saline fields. Principal component analysis was performed to identify the hydrochemical controlling processes while water quality index (WQI) was used to determine the overall quality of the water samples. Multiple regression analysis, however, revealed the parameter(s) that impact the overall water quality the most. The results showed that the chemical compositions of the groundwater of the area is influenced by weathering of hostrocks, salinity and anthropogenic activities. Four hydrochemical facies were deciphered (Ca-Mg-HCO3, Na-K-HCO3, Na-K-Cl-SO4, and Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4) and this revealed the diversity in the chemical controlling processes that yield different facies. Two clusters of water groups were identified from cluster analysis, namely, groundwater characterized with very high salinity, high nitrate contamination and high Ca, Cl, Na, and HCO3 ionic concentrations and groundwater with high Mg, K, and SO4 ionic concentrations. Saturation indices in relation to different minerals showed that precipitation and dissolution processes gave rise to the concentrations of different ions in the groundwater. Water quality assessment showed that about 85 % of the groundwater of the area is unsuitable as drinking water but, generally suitable for irrigation. Multiple regression analysis revealed that NO3 ion among the hydrochemical parameters measured was observed to be the major pollutant in the groundwater of the study area.

WATER SOURCES AND WATER-BORNE DISEASES: A STUDY OF SEASONAL DISPARITIES IN BACTERIOLOGICAL COMPOSITIONS OF WATER SOURCES IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Water is an essential component of human living and crucial in metabolism, substrate transport across membranes, cellular homeostasis, temperature regulation, and circulatory function. Access to quality water is a critical concern of any society. However, water shortage remains the central problem of many households across the universe, prompting people to depend on water sources that are considered unhealthy for human consumption. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the bacteriological compositions of water sources in Kogi State based on seasonal disparities. Water samples were obtained from streams and hand-dug wells within the Ankpa and Obajana areas during the rainy and dry seasons. The analysis conducted on the samples revealed that the water sources were heavily contaminated with bacteria at both seasons.

Trace elements in groundwater near an abandoned mine tailings dam and health risk assessment (NE Zimbabwe)

Groundwater from shallow hand-dug wells at an abandoned gold mine tailings dam was characterised for selected physicochemical parameters during dry and wet seasons of 2018 and 2019. Health risk exposure of the local population (adults and children) through ingestion and dermal exposure was assessed. Groundwater quality parameters were lower than international drinking water quality guidelines (p &lt; 0.05). The parameters were significantly influenced by season of the year (As, Cl−, SO42−), nature (As, Cd, Cl−, Fe, NO3−, SO42−), depth (Cd, Cl−, Fe, Ni, SO42−) and direction of the well (Cu, Cl−, Fe, NO3−, Pb, SO42−) (p &lt; 0.05) relative to the tailings dam. Groundwater did not pose non-carcinogenic risk due to studied trace elements. However, arsenic had the potential to cause medium to high cancer risk to the local population. We propose re-vegetation of the tailings dam, diversion of surface tailings drainage to a containment pond and the provision of continuous piped water supplies.

Socio-Environmental Effects of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Depot, Apata, Ibadan on the Adjoining Neighbourhoods

Nigeria, one of the major crude oil producing countries in the world, transports petroleum products through pipelines to several oil depots located across the country from where it is trucked to end users. Activities within these depots are known to have impact on their immediate environment due to the nature of operations and the externalities generated. This paper therefore examined the socio-environmental effects of the Nigerian National Petroleum Depot, Apata, Ibadan on its immediate neighbourhood. A case study approach utilising primary and secondary data collection was adopted in which 205 residential buildings and respondents were proportionally selected for sampling from four neighbourhoods within 500 metres radius of the facility. An environmental audit including ground water samples were randomly collected for testing and analysis from Adebisi stream and residential hand-dug wells. Findings revealed local access road incapacitation emanating from indiscriminate parking of fuel tankers and spiralling into constant traffic congestion on major roads. Desludging of fuel storage tanks (79.5%) resulting into regular effluent discharge into the Adebisi stream and fume emission (62.6%), were attested to by residents. Water quality analysis revealed a high concentration of lead (pb.0.06mg/l) above the maximum permissible limit of (0.01mg/l) for potable water. Other detected metals, Cadmium (0.003mg/l), Copper (0.006mg/l) and Zinc (3.0 mg/l) were all within the appropriate recommended limits. The study recommended a periodic environmental audit and regular dialogue with stakeholders of the host communities for socio-environmental sustainability.

Groundwater Quality Determination from hand-dug wells in Ososo Town, Akoko-Edo North Local Government Area Edo State

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Groundwater is water beneath the surface of the earth. The primary source is precipitation from rain, snow, and hail. Groundwater commonly occurs as water that fills pore spaces between mineral or rock grains in sediments and sedimentary rocks. This study is to evaluate the physiochemical characteristics and selected heavy metal levels of Water from Hand Dug Wells in Ososo in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. A total of twenty (20) water samples were collected in very clean containers from twenty (20) hand dug wells in Ososo town, and taken to the laboratory immediately for physical, chemical and heavy metal analysis using standard laboratory techniques. The physical analysis results from the study show that depth to ground water is very shallow. Ph was below 7.5. Conductivity varies from 167.8-2120.00/cm. The temperatures were uniform. The ground water is odorless and tasteless. The amounts of total suspended soil (TSS) in all the samples vary from 10–20 ppm. The total dissolved solid content (TDS) concentration for all the samples varies from 132–1320.00 ppm. Total hardness is soft to moderately hard. Total alkalinity values vary between 3.0 to 18.0 ppm. The phenolphthalein value for the sample tested was zero. Chemical analysis results for the cations shows that Calcium (Ca) is one of the most abundant cations in the entire well water samples with concentration varying from 6.4 – 40.0 mg/L. Magnesium (Mg) concentration vary from 2.0 -9.5 ppm. Dissolved Sodium (Na) content values vary from 17.9- 92.5 mg/L. Chemical analysis results for the anions shows that the concentration of sulphate (SO4) ions varies from 93–125 mg/L. The bicarbonate (CO3) concentration in all samples varies from 25.7–90 mg/L. The dissolved nitrites and nitrates concentrations varies from 5.7 – 9.1. Heavy metals analysis shows the concentrations of copper (CU) in the samples range from 0.1 – 0.5 mg/l. The result of the analysis indicates high values of lead (Pb) in nine samples, but lead was not detected in wells 6 and 7. The values for other wells ranged between 0.1-0.2 mg/l. The values for the concentration of chromium (Cr)range from 0.4 -0.89 mg/l. The values of barium (Ba) range from 0.05- 0.3 mg/l. Result from the heavy mineral analysis for Cadmium (Cd) gave an approximate value of 0.2 and below detectable limit in the other wells. The values of Zinc (Zn) range from 0.8 – 11.4 mg/l. The values of Nickel (Ni) range from 0.1–0.5 mg/l.The hand-dug wells in the study area contain free Carbon IV Oxide and the alkalinity of the well water is entirely due to Bicarbonate ions. Sodium, chloride, bicarbonates, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium are the most abundant. All the dissolved anions in the well water sample are generally below the recommended maximum limits by WHO. Samples also showed high bacteria load which primarily originated from effluent discharge from pit toilets and waste dumps and can constitute health risk on ingestion. Highly populated areas have groundwater with high concentration of dissolved ions and the converse for areas of low population. From the results of the analysis, conclusion is drawn to the fact that, the groundwater chemistry in the study area has been influenced greatly by human activities than the bedrock geology of the area. It is therefore recommended that well location should be at least, 30 m away from any source of contamination such as soak- ways, adequate treatment must be given to well water such as chlorination, boiling to destroy any bacteria and filtration to remove all unwanted/undesirable constituents that may be present, and a policy on land use planning and urban development to guard against indiscriminate setting of wells within the centre of the village should be established. This study has been able to enhance sustainable water development, since the health of inhabitants in a community depends to a large extent on the quality of groundwater supply.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Assessment of the Physicochemical and Biological Characteristics of Water in Hand Dug Wells within Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Assessment of the Physicochemical and Biological Characteristics of Water in Hand Dug Wells within Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

The optimistic implication of hand-dug wells in water resources development and handling in Ethiopia, a developing economy, such as in Guna Tana landscape

The optimistic implication of hand-dug wells in water resources development and handling in Ethiopia, a developing economy, such as in Guna Tana landscape