Nigerian Standards Research Articles

Efficiency of Ceramic Composite Filter Produced Using Nano Particulate Carbonaceous Material

Millions of people have no access to safe water. This has led to continued incidence of waterborne diseases with severe cases of complications and sometimes death. Attempts to use silica sand-based materials for the production of filters by researchers are still evolving. In this study a novel hybrid clay-nanoparticulate agro-waste blend water filter with appropriate pore size and flow rate for contaminant-free water filtration was produced. The composite filters were produced using hydraulic pressing and sintering process. Four different ratios of clay, activated carbon and nanoparticle coconut shell (60:30:10, 60:20:20, 60:10:30, and 60:0:40 wt %) were mixed and fired at 700 °C, 750 °C, 800 °C, 850°C, 900 °C, 950 °C, and 1000 °C respectively at the rate of 75 °C/hr. E. Coli, Total Coliform, and turbidity tests were carried out on the influent water collected from Lagos Lagoon, and effluent water samples were filtered using the produced samples. The result of water tests revealed that all the filters produced removed between 86.81 % to 99% Escherichia Coliform (E. coli), and 81.81% to 93.31%% total coliform in the water sample. The blend of 60:10:30 fired at 850 °C and 900 °C showed improved properties with a flow rate value of 2.83 l/hr and 2.77 l/hr. In conclusion, the study established that synthesis of nanoparticle coconut shell and activated carbon is a suitable material for producing clay composite filters that can purify water to Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) acceptable level.

Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution around Industrial Area in Southwestern, Nigeria

This study investigated heavy metal contamination around an industrial district in Obajana, Southwest Nigeria. The study region lies between latitudes 7°54′N to 7°56′N and longitudes 6°24′E to 6°27′E. Thirty samples each for groundwater and soil and twelve plant samples were collected from the study area. All samples were collected in triplicate. The physical and chemical parameters of the groundwater, soil, and plant samples were measured. The average pH level of the groundwater samples is 7.2 which falls within the Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). The ranges of the other physical parameterssuch as electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total hardness (TH) are also within the acceptable limits. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in groundwater samples for Mn (0.020 mg/L), Zn (0.010 mg/L), Ni (0.010 mg/L), Cr (0.130 mg/L), Cu (0.020 mg/L), and Fe (0.090 mg/L) are within the allowable limit, with the exception of Pb (0.090 mg/L) that is above the recommended level. According to the index of geo-accumulation (Igeo), the soil and plant samples are not polluted with respect to the heavy metals tested. The analysis of the human risk assessment reveals that the values for the carcinogenic risk are within acceptable bounds; however, the values for the non-carcinogenic risk are substantially above the acceptable bounds. This demonstrates that non-carcinogenic health impacts are a threat to the broader population. This study suggests continuous monitoring of groundwater, soil, and plant in the study area.

SUITABILITY OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY FOR DRINKING USING WATER QUALITY INDEX IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Groundwater is an important source of drinking water in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. This study aims to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking using the water quality index (WQI). 960 water samples were collected from 160 sites in the Kano Metropolis and analyzed 9 physicochemical parameters, 9 heavy metals and two groups of microbial parameters using American Public Health Association standard procedures in a laboratory. The values obtained for the various parameters were then compared to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). The overall WQI for each LGA was calculated using Weighted Arithmetic Index guidelines. The results showed that overall WQI is generally unsuitable for drinking with ranged values of borehole water from 47.07 - 149.51 in Dala and Nasarawa respectively while the well water ranged from 94.17 - 251.44 at Tarauni and Kumbotso and spatially represented in map of Kano metropolis. Marginally suitable for drinking were recorded at Dala and some individual wells in well-planned and clean areas (Bompai Quarters, GRAs). The T-Test statistical analysis between borehole and well in Dala, KMC and Nasarawa LGAs showed significant variations at P = < .05 while Fagge, Gwale, Kumbotso, Tarauni and Ungogo LGAs showed no significant differences. The study recommends the need for improved water management strategies, such as desalination and water treatment, to increase access to safe drinking water.

Geotechnical appraisal of failed sections of some highway pavements in parts of Northcentral Nigeria

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the likely causes of failure of some sections of road pavements in Ajaokuta, Northcentral Nigeria. This was achieved through a geotechnical assessment of subgrade soils in affected areas. Design/methodology/approach The methods entailed field and laboratory methods and statistical analysis. Subgrade soil samples were retrieved from a depth of 1,000 mm beneath the failed portions using a hang auger. The soils were analyzed for natural moisture content (NMC), Atterberg limit (liquid limit, plastic limit and linear shrinkage), grain size distribution, compaction and California bearing ratio (CBR), respectively. Findings The results of the geotechnical tests ranged from NMC (12.5%–19.4%), sand (84%–98%), fines (2%–16%), LL (16.0%–32.2%), PL (17%–27.5%), LS (2.7%–6.4%), PI (2.5%–18.4%), maximum dry density (1756 kg/m2–1961 kg/m2), optimum moisture content (13.2%–20.2%), unsoaked CBR (15.5%–30.5%) and soaked CBR (8%–22%), respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficient performed on the variables showed that some parameters exhibited a strong positive correlation with r2 > 0.5. Research limitations/implications Funding was the main limitation. Originality/value Comparing the results with Nigerian standards for road construction, and the AASHTO classification scheme, the subgrade soils are competent and possess excellent to good properties. The soils also exhibited very low plasticity, a high percentage of sand, high CBR and low NMC, which implies that it has the strength required for road pavement subgrades. The likely causes of the failures are, therefore, due to the use of poor construction materials, technical incompetence and poor compaction of sub-base materials, respectively.

Physicochemical Parameters of Ground Water Quality in Crown Estate and Its Environs in Okada Town, Edo State, Nigeria

The evaluation of drinking water quality mainly by determination of some physicochemical parameters present is of paramount importance due to the impact on human health. The present study presents investigation on the physicochemical parameters of ground water samples collected from selected boreholes, in Crown Estate and environs, in Okada, Benin City, Nigeria. Samples were collected from selected boreholes and pH taken and immediately taken to the laboratory to investigate some selected physicochemical characteristics. The mean concentrations of metals in the water samples followed a decreasing order: Zn (0.5122mg/l) > Fe (0.4378mg/l) > Mn (0.0594mg/l) > Ni (0.0358mg/l) > Cr (0.0302mg/l) > Cu (0.3000mg/l), Pb and Cd were below detection limit. The laboratory results of all the selected physico-chemical parameters analyzed when compared with the world health organization (WHO), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) standards for water showed that all the selected Physicochemical parameters with the exception of iron (for NAFDAC) were within national and international standards limits for drinking water.

Assessment of variations in microbiological quality of water in the newly constructed rainwater-harvesting system storage tank

Proper harvesting of rainwater requires a good knowledge of the storage conditions and the nature of physico-chemical and microbiological contaminant loads on the harvested water. This will help to determine the nature and level of treatment required. This study assessed the variations in the microbiological quality of water stored in a newly constructed galvanized steel tank over the course of one rainy season in Afikpo, Nigeria. A 2.0 mm thick galvanized steel tank of 1.728 m3 capacity was constructed together with water collection system including coarse mesh, gutter, funnel, conduits, first-flushing device and filter. Rainwater was collected into the tank, sampled, discharged, and rinsed with chlorinated water at each sampling episode throughout the rainy season at Afikpo, from April to November 2021. The water samples were tested in the laboratory for total coliform and faecal coliform. The weekly concentrations of total coliform range between 90CFU/100 ml and 320CFU/100 ml; the mean is 177CFU/100 ml. The weekly concentrations of faecal coliform fall between 30CFU/100 ml and 261CFU/100 ml; the mean is 108CFU/100 ml. These results indicate that the concentrations of the two pathogens are far above the zero limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) . Hence, the rooftop-harvested rainwater is unsafe for human consumption without treatment. Boiling or chlorine treatment is needed. Public health authorities in Afikpo should sensitize the public on the dangers of consuming untreated rainwater as is the practice found among many in the area.

Hydrogeochemical Data: A Tool for Mapping Aquifer Contamination from Landfill Dumpsites within Owerri Metropolis and Environs Southeastern Nigeria

Groundwater contamination near municipal garbage dumpsites was studied in Owerri, a city in southern Nigeria.The purpose of the study was to map aquifer contamination from landfill dumpsites within the Owerri metropolis and its environment using hydrogeochemical data. Groundwater samples were collected and examined at eight locations near landfill dumpsites. The result of the analysis shows that groundwater from the aquifers of all sampled locations is slightly acidic with an average pH value of 6.25. Bicarbonate, calcium and chloride have average concentrations of 26.19 mg/l, 4.25 mg/l and 0.26 mg/l, respectively. The results also show conductivity and total dissolved solids having an average value of 89.13 mg/l and 53.67 mg/l, respectively. These values fall within the maximum permissible Nigerian standards for drinking water quality and the World Health Standard for Drinking Water Quality. All the parameters did not exceed the NSDWQ (2007) standards except magnesium, which had a mean concentration of 1.16mg/l as opposed to the 0.20mg/l proposed by the Nigerian Standard of Drinking Water Quality. Also, future examination of the water resources within Owerri Metropolis should be done at least every two to three years by the government and relevant agencies to protect the health of people living within this environment.

Oxygen systems and quality of care for children with pneumonia, malaria and diarrhoea: Analysis of a stepped-wedge trial in Nigeria.

To evaluate the effect of improved hospital oxygen systems on quality of care (QOC) for children with severe pneumonia, severe malaria, and diarrhoea with severe dehydration. Stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial (unblinded), randomised at hospital-level. 12 hospitals in south-west Nigeria. 7,141 children (aged 28 days to 14 years) admitted with severe pneumonia, severe malaria or diarrhoea with severe dehydration between January 2014 and October 2017. Phase 1 (pulse oximetry) introduced pulse oximetry for all admitted children. Phase 2 (full oxygen system) (i) standardised oxygen equipment package, (ii) clinical education and support, (iii) technical training and support, and (iv) infrastructure and systems support. We used quantitative QOC scores evaluating assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring practices against World Health Organization and Nigerian standards. We evaluated mean differences in QOC scores between study periods (baseline, oximetry, full oxygen system), using mixed-effects linear regression. 7,141 eligible participants; 6,893 (96.5%) had adequate data for analysis. Mean paediatric QOC score (maximum 6) increased from 1.64 to 3.00 (adjusted mean difference 1.39; 95% CI 1.08-1.69, p<0.001) for severe pneumonia and 2.81 to 4.04 (aMD 1.53; 95% CI 1.23-1.83, p<0.001) for severe malaria, comparing the full intervention to baseline, but did not change for diarrhoea with severe dehydration (aMD -0.12; 95% CI -0.46-0.23, p = 0.501). After excluding practices directly related to pulse oximetry and oxygen, we found aMD 0.23 for severe pneumonia (95% CI -0.02-0.48, p = 0.072) and 0.65 for severe malaria (95% CI 0.41-0.89, p<0.001) comparing full intervention to baseline. Sub-analysis showed some improvements (and no deterioration) in care processes not directly related to oxygen or pulse oximetry. Improvements in hospital oxygen systems were associated with higher QOC scores, attributable to better use of pulse oximetry and oxygen as well as broader improvements in clinical care, with no negative distortions in care practices. ACTRN12617000341325.

Heavy metals pollution indexing, geospatial and statistical approaches of groundwater within Challawa and Sharada industrial areas, Kano City, North-Western Nigeria

The present study focused on pollution status of groundwater in the industrial areas of Challawa and Sharada in Kano city based on pollution indices, statistical and spatial analyses. Twenty groundwater samples representing groundwater of the studied areas (Ten from each area) were analyzed for the presence of Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn and Zn using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The result showed 95%, 5%, 60%, 15% and 25% of the analyzed water samples had detectable Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, and Mn above the drinking water limits of both Nigerian standards for drinking water quality NSDWQ and World Health Organization (WHO) with Cd dominating other analyzed heavy metals in the groundwater. Evaluation of heavy metal pollution revealed a low polluted status based on the contaminant index (Cd), synthetic pollution index, heavy metals evaluation index, and heavy metal pollution index. Metal index categorized the groundwater as seriously polluted. The statistical evaluation gave strong and positive correlations between indices and a moderate one between the metallic ions. Component analysis revealed a strongly positive loading of Fe, Ni and Zn while Cd had a strong negative loading. Cr and Mn were positive and moderately loaded. Statistical analyses suggested both anthropogenic and geogenic sources for the heavy metals mainly from the industrial and agricultural practices and rock weathering processes, respectively. This study is expected to be a useful tool in the planning, monitoring and mitigation of pollution activities in the area.Article HighlightsThe pollution status of groundwater with respect to heavy metals was investigated in the Challawa and Sharada industrials zones in Kano city NigeriaThe concentration of Cd, Fe, Ni, Cr Mn and Zn was determined using the AASDifferent Pollution indices of HPI, HEI, SPI, Cd and MI were utilized to categorized the area as low, medium and highly polluted.Spatial and temporal distribution maps demarcated based on the metal concentrations and computed indices in the area.CA, PCA, and HCA were used to identified the geochemistry, relationship, sources and origin of heavy metals in groundwater.The study revealed zones with low to high-risk groundwater in terms of toxic heavy metals and pollution status.

A Partial Environmental Engineering Management Study of Open Dump Site and Its Impact on Land and Water

This research appraises in partial the environmental engineering effects of open dumpsite with peripheral study of the dumpsite at km 3 Aba-Enugu Expressway in Abia State southeast of Nigeria. The investigation includes visual assessment, interviews / questionnaires results, and analysis. The study reveals that the waste dump serves as a sink to many parts of Aba metropolis being one of the biggest dumpsites in Abia state. The sand value of 47.7% obtained from the study agrees with existing literature/hydrogeology of the area. Results proved that the ground water is safe as samples display quality, which are below the Nigerian standards for drinking water quality limit. These values also fall below the World Health Organization (WHO) water quality limit so the residents around do not stand any health risk at the moment. However, increasing concentration of pollutants indicates that the Soil and probably the potential drinking water source may be contaminated with time, supporting existing study. Therefore, this research recommends a well-engineered waste management plan alongside Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) cradle-to-grave approach to management of open dumpsite.

A Partial Environmental Engineering Management Study of Open Dump Site and Its Impact on Land and Water

This research appraises in partial the environmental engineering effects of open dumpsite with peripheral study of the dumpsite at km 3 Aba-Enugu Expressway in Abia State southeast of Nigeria. The investigation includes visual assessment, interviews / questionnaires results, and analysis. The study reveals that the waste dump serves as a sink to many parts of Aba metropolis being one of the biggest dumpsites in Abia state. The sand value of 47.7% obtained from the study agrees with existing literature/hydrogeology of the area. Results proved that the ground water is safe as samples display quality, which are below the Nigerian standards for drinking water quality limit. These values also fall below the World Health Organization (WHO) water quality limit so the residents around do not stand any health risk at the moment. However, increasing concentration of pollutants indicates that the Soil and probably the potential drinking water source may be contaminated with time, supporting existing study. Therefore, this research recommends a well-engineered waste management plan alongside Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) cradle-to-grave approach to management of open dumpsite.

Incidental discovery of situs inversus totalis in a 72-year-old man

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) which is also known as dextrocardia with situs inversus is a congenital anomaly of lateralization or sidedness. Although dextrocardia of itself is detectable on obstetrics sonography, it frequently goes undetected and these individuals are often diagnosed later in life. This is a case of SIT in a 72-year-old man, who has had normal life expectancy by Nigerian standards, detected incidentally on imaging evaluation for unrelated complaints. He presented with features of chest infection and intestinal obstruction. While on admission, he was also diagnosed with systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus. He had no features of Kartagener's syndrome. SIT could be suspected clinically, but a definitive diagnosis often requires imaging. Medical personnel must always maintain a high index of suspicion for this relatively uncommon condition with a profound impact on administration and/or interpretation of clinical, investigative, and resuscitative procedures as well as management of ailments.

Assessing the spatial and temporal variability and related environmental risks of toxic metals in Lake Asejire, south-western Nigeria

Lake Asejire in Nigeria is polluted with untreated effluent from nearby aquacultural, urban, agricultural and industrial zones. The metal laden effluent pose a hazard to the health of fish and fish consumers in the lake. This study aimed to (1) assess the spatial and seasonal variations in the levels of cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, nickel, mercury and zinc in water, sediments and gills and stomach tissues of mud catfish, Clarias gariepinus and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus; and (2) evaluate environmental risks posed by heavy metals in Lake Asejire. Potential ecological risks of heavy metals were assessed using the pollution loading, geoaccumulation and potential ecological risk indices. Levels of Fe, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn were high in water and sediments and in some cases exceeded the Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality and World Health Organisation threshold values. There were significant (p < 0.05) seasonal variations in the levels of all metals in water and sediments. Significantly high Fe, Co, Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn levels recorded in gills and stomach tissues of mud catfish and Nile tilapia relate well with metal levels in water and sediments. The geoaccumulation index reflected heavy Cu and Zn contamination in sediments whereas Cd pose serious ecological risks to aquatic organisms in the lake. Accurate assessment of the spatial and temporal variability of heavy metal levels in Lake Asejire is crucial for pollution control and environmental management.

Microbiological evaluation and antimicrobial resistant pattern of bacteria isolated from surface drinking water sources in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

Water is vital for life, but in contrast, it might serves as the commonest route of transmission for many infectious diseases. This study was carried out to examine the quality of drinking water from two selected surface water within Ogbomoso. Water samples were collected from both water bodies at different points. Most Probable Number (MPN) techniques and pour plate method were used to estimate the bacteriological quality of water samples. The antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on the isolated organisms, while heavy metals parameters were assessed with standard methods. Water samples were analyzed for faecal sterols. Results of MPN counts (49 to 1600 MPN per 100ml) and total heterotrophic counts (0.15×10 6 to 1.36×10 7 CFU/mL) revealed a high level of microbial pollution. Ten genera of bacteria; Shigella , Corynebacterium , Streptococcus , Pseudomonas , Staphylococcus , Escherichia , Salmonella , Vibrio , Citrobacter and Klebsiella were isolated and they all showed multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) to all the antibiotics used. The multiple antibiotics resistant (MAR) index ranged from 0.63 to 0.75 and 0.63 to 0.88 for the isolates from Papa –Osiagoro and Oke- Baaki water works respectively. The heavy metals analyzed fell within the limits set by Nigerian Standards for potable waters with exception of Zn which had high concentrations across the sampling points. Water samples showed the presence of high concentrations of feacal sterols. The presence of coliforms and other pathogenic organisms present in these surface water bodies have shown that they are highly contaminated. Thus, the water is not fit for human consumption due to feacal contamination. Keywords: Ogbomoso, Microbial pollution, Antibiotic resistance, Heavy metals, feacal sterols

Effect of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Leachate on Groundwater Quality in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aims: This study was carried out to assess the effect of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) leachate on groundwater quality in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Cross-sectional study was conducted around two dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria on leachates and borehole water.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study of selected refuse dumpsite was conducted in Port Harcourt, Nigeria to assess the effect of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) leachate on groundwater quality in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Nitrite ion, Phosphate ion, Sulphate ion, Chloride ion and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Cu) were determined by standard protocol of APHA (2012). The samples were analysed by three quality tools/indices such as the Water Quality Index (WQI), Contamination Factor (CF) and Contamination Degree (CD).&#x0D; Results and Discussion: The result shows that some parameters in the borehole water did not meet the standards of World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ), and most leachates and borehole water qualities near the un-engineered dumpsites are of poor quality. There was a decreasing trend in concentrations of hazardous contaminants from the leachate to nearby borehole water and eventually the distant borehole water. This shows that the leachates exert great effect on the concentrations of contaminants in the surrounding borehole waters and distant ones.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded that there is an increase in risk to the borehole and public health that is reported near the unengineered dumpsites; which can spread to other region on bioaccumulation. The result indicated that the dumpsite leachate is producing many potent contaminants to the environment and to the people nearby.

Physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of surface water quality in part of Oban Massif, Nigeria

The present study presents preliminary investigation on the physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters of surface water samples collected, during the wet and dry seasons, from streams in Orem and environs, a typical Basement terrain in southeastern Nigeria. The intension was to evaluate the suitability of the water for domestic and agricultural uses. Results generally indicate normal water temperature, especially for the tropic; pH reflecting slightly acidic conditions; low EC and water hardness which respectively qualifies the water as excellent and soft; turbidity values that points to the water as a possible sources of water-borne diseases; DO values that are reasonable, to support good fish production, throughout the year; low levels of nutrients and heavy metals that pose no detrimental effect for the aquatic ecosystem; and low Salinity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) that reflects water of low mineralization. The major dissolved cations points to a possible geogenic source for the major ions, while the anion levels supports agricultural and anthropogenic pollutions. Values recorded during the dry season were frequently higher than those recorded during the wet season, possibly reflecting dilution and evaporation effects during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. With minor exceptions, the levels of almost all the tested parameters were within the respective permissible limits of the Nigerian standards for drinking water quality (NSDWQ). Among the exceptions in this regards, is the unacceptable and alarmingly high volume of bacteriological inputs recorded for the waters. Clearly, this renders the water unfit for consumption and various other usage, in its present form.

Integrated physicochemical and hydrogeochemical assessment to groundwater quality in Obosi and Onitsha provinces, South-eastern Nigeria

An integrated physicochemical and hydrogeochemical assessment was carried out at an automobile junk market in Obosi and in residential areas in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria to examine the concentration of heavy metals in the groundwater and determine the quality of the water for drinking and other domestic purposes. Forty groundwater samples were collected from boreholes and hand-dug wells (three samples from Obosi and the rest from Onitsha). They were subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry using standard field and laboratory techniques and analysed for physicochemical and hydrogeochemical parameters. Results show that the groundwater in the study area is slightly acidic to neutral, soft to moderately hard when compared with the World Health Organization maximum allowable concentration values and the Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality. The electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 58 to 1796 μS/cm, 6.78 to 8.76 and 0.17 to 1.50 mg/L, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations measured (in ppm) in the water included nickel, manganese, copper and zinc and varied from 0 to 1.82, 0 to 0.195, 0 to 0.325 and 0 to 0.09, respectively, while heavy metal concentrations in the soil measured (in ppm) included iron, lead and cadmium and varied from 0 to 3.87, 0 to 1.80 and 0 to 7.38 mg/kg, respectively. Statistical results gave significant correlation (at 0.05) between electrical conductivity and total hardness, biochemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen, and several others elements. The study helps in the understanding of the chemistry of groundwater for long-term monitoring and management for the local community.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics of Groundwater from Selected Areas in Unguwa Uku, Kano Metropolitan, Northwestern Nigeria

Present investigation was carried out on groundwater in Unguwa Uku for water quality parameters during October, 2016. Parameters such as total hardness (TH), alkalinity, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, pH, temperature, chloride, calcium, free CO₂, suspended solids (SS), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolve solids (TDS), colour, and odour were analyzed from five locations. The analysis were carried out using standard analytical methods. The analysis of data reveals that, the value of free CO₂ ranges from 9- 104 mg/L, 36.05- 72.10 mg/L for Calcium, 2-13 NTU for turbidity, 583.59-2065.03mg/L for total hardness 7.1-8.3 for pH, 21.7-23.4°C for temperature, 202-970 mg/L for TDS, 250-305 mg/L for alkalinity, 405-1939µS/cm for conductivities, 5TCU for colour, 111.70-659.51mg/L for suspended solids, 669.03-1255.51mg/L for total suspended solids, 106.57-296.10mg/L for chloride. The results obtained revealed that, the values of alkalinity, TDS, TSS, SS, pH, temperature, colour, odour, free CO₂, and concentrations of Calcium of the water samples analyzed are within the acceptable limits set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) for the drinking water. The values of electrical conductivity and total hardness are above the maximum permissible limits and may have adverse effects on the human health of the study area. However, not all the values of turbidity and chloride in the samples are within the acceptable limits of WHO and NSDWQ in the drinking water. This paper also recommended that, government and non-governmental agencies should make reasonable effort to control, regulate and educate the people in the study area for proper disposal of domestic effluents.

English

Boreholes and hand dug wells from Bantaji and Rafin-Kada settlements of Wukari L.G.A. were analyzed for fourteen physicochemical parameters and seven heavy metals collected within July, 2015 to March, 2016 using standard methods. The mean difference in concentration of dissolved oxygen between the wet and dry seasons in the Bantaji boreholes was statistically significant at p&lt;0.05. In addition, the electrical conductivity, nitrate nitrogen, phosphate and dissolved oxygen concentration were also statistically significant in the Rafin-Kada Boreholes. For the well water samples, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate nitrogen and chlorides were also statistically significant between the wet and dry seasons of the Bantaji wells while in the Rafin-Kada wells, with only dissolved oxygen having mean concentration that was statistically significant at p&lt;0.05. All the physicochemical parameters in the boreholes and hand dug wells fall within the Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) acceptable limits. The heavy metals, Pb and Mn had mean concentrations in the wet and dry seasons that were statistically significant in the Bantaji borehole, Bantaji well and Rafin-Kada borehole while Rafin-Kada borehole had statistically significant mean concentrations of Cd, As and Mn at p&lt;0.05. All the heavy metals analyzed fall within the NSDWQ acceptable limits except Pb which had higher mean concentrations in the wet and dry seasons than the acceptable limits from Rafin-Kada wells (0.0190 and 0.0203 mg/L), Bantaji boreholes (0.1487 and 0.1086 mg/L) and Bantaji wells (0.0145 and 0.0154 mg/L). The mean concentrations of Pb reported may indicate presence of lead containing materials around the water sources. Frequent monitoring of these water sources is recommended over time. &nbsp; Key words: Boreholes, wells, Bantaji, Rafin-Kada, physic-chemical parameters, heavy metals, groundwater.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Drinking Water Sources in Okoroette Community, Eastern Coast of Nigeria

The coastal region of Nigeria has witnessed intense anthropogenic activities that have overtime necessitated several environmental monitoring campaigns to ascertain impacts and proffer remedial solutions. In the present study, standard analytical protocols were employed to assess the physicochemical parameters, trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels of ground and surface water used for drinking purposes in Okoroette community in Nigeria. The results obtained show that investigated parameters varied widely and were generally higher in the surface water samples collected during the dry season. The levels of most of the physicochemical parameters recorded were acceptable when compared with Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) except for turbidity and dissolved oxygen. In both ground and surface waters, the following trace metals exceeded the NSDWQ permissible limits: Pb, Cd, Fe, and Mn. The total mean level of PAHs (> 1.0 mg/l) in both ground and surface water samples exceeded the acceptable level when compared with the NSDWQ guideline value of 0.007 mg/l. The health risk assessment applied on trace metal levels reveal that there is significant potential toxic risk to exposed individuals as calculated hazard indexes (HI) were greater than one. Results from Water Quality Indices (WQI) modelling reveal that the water sources in the community were generally categorised as poor quality or unfit for drinking purposes. Chemometric characterisation of the water quality indicators revealed that some of the contaminants may be of geogenic, anthropogenic organic in origin. The study reveals that drinking water sources in Okoroette community are not suitable for consumption and domestic use therefore treatment is highly and urgently recommended to safeguard public health.