Standard Organization Of Nigeria Research Articles

A Review on Heavy Metal Concentration in Potable Water Sources in Nigeria: Human Health Effects and Mitigating Measures

Nigeria is one of the most populated black nation in the world with a population of about 170 million. Over the years, potable water source which is one of the basic essential requirements for healthy living has been challenging due to inadequate controlled anthropogenic activities and by lesser extent natural conditions. This paper reviews the various potable water sources, heavy metal concentration, and its associated health effects in Nigeria. The study found that surface water such as stream, river, lake; ground water including borehole and hand-dug well; rain water; and packaged water such as bottled and sachet are the major source of potable water. The dominant heavy metals found in potable water include iron, zinc, copper, chromium, lead, and manganese. The concentration of heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, iron, cobalt, manganese, chromium, nickel, zinc, and copper often exceed the maximum permissible limit recommended by standard organization of Nigeria and World Health Organization. The concentration of heavy metals fluctuates in most states/geographical coverage depending on the type of potable water sources. To a large extent, industrialization causes heavy metals concentration to exceed the permissible limits. The high concentration reported in most locations could cause various disease conditions depending on the type of metal and level of exposure. This study also suggest possible treatment and mitigating measures to avoid such harmful effects.

Investigation of Ojirami reservoir, Akoko-Edo, Southsouth, Nigeria: the physical and chemical hydrology

Ojirami Reservoir was constructed between 1971 and 1974 for the purpose of supplying potable water to Edo North senatorial zone, Nigeria. The reservoir is aging, with evidence of siltation but relatively free of any anthropogenic activities. A study was carried out between January 2009 and December 2010 to monitor the monthly and seasonal variations in the limnological variables. Water samples were collected monthly from six stations (A, B, C, D, E and F) and analyzed following standard methods. Water temperature, depth and varied from 24.0-33.0 oC, and 0.62-5.2 m. Turbidity varied from 0-150 NTU, total dissolved and suspended solids - 25.00 – 82.00 ppm and 0–105mg/l respectively, pH - 5.7–8.6, conductivity - 50–150 μS/cm, alkalinity - 6.0-67.0 mg/l and chloride - 4.0–28 mg/l. , and total hardness, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and free CO2 varied between 22.0 – 98.0 mg/l, 2.3–6.8 mg/l, 0.1–3.7 mg/l and 8.0-75 mg/l; Phosphate, sodium, potassium and iron were between 1.0–23.4 mg/l, 4.6–10.1mg/l, 2.7–8.7 mg/l and 0.8–13.46 mg/l respectively. Mean values at the study stations were statistically not significant (P>0.05) except depth (P<0.01). The Duncan multiple range test revealed that mean depth was highest at station C. However wet and dry season comparison showed significant difference (P<0.05) in turbidity, total dissolved solids, and total suspended solids; and highly significant difference (P<0.01) in conductivity, alkalinity, iron and phosphate, with higher wet season mean values in all except depth and alkalinity that recorded higher dry season means. Some of the measured physical and chemical parameters were within the acceptable or permissible limits of Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water. However, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, phosphate and iron were far above recommended standardsKeywords: Akoko-Edo, physico-chemical conditions, seasonality, regulatory standards

Physiochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Selected Sachet Water in Jere and Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

The study involved the determination of some physiochemical and bacteriological properties in sachet-water samples taken within selected geopolitical wards in Jere and Maiduguri Metropolis. The purpose was to ascertain the quality of sachet water sold for consumption within the area. Ten samples were drawn, five from each study area. The samples were analysed for temperature, colour, turbidity, pH, conductivity, iron, total alkalinity and total dissolved solid. Bacteriological analysis was also carried out using multiple tube (most probable number) technique for enumeration of both total coli form count and differential Escherichia coli count. Other physical examination like volume, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, batch number, production date and expiry date were also examined. The results obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO), NAFDAC and Nigeria Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Variations were observed among the entire samples in comparison with the standard. Some of the parameters conform to the standard like the Tempreture, pH, colour, odour, iron content and NAFDAC registration number while others like TDS, total alkalinity and volumetric quantity fell below the standard. The bacteriological analysis also showed that 80% of the samples studied revealed the presence of coliforms. Hence, there is need for regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify effort in the routine monitoring of quality of sachet water marketed for consumption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12177 International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, page: 48-57

English

Many people in Africa depend on water from borehole, but purity of the drinking water from this source remains questionable. In a bid to ascertain the health risk local people are exposed to, this study analyses the physico-chemical characteristics of borehole water in Gassol Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. For this purpose, water samples were collected from the 12 administrative wards in the LGA. Two samples were collected from each ward, one in the rainy season (March) and another in the dry season (November), a total of 24 water samples in all. The water samples were analyzed for 18 different physical and chemical parameters to ascertain their comparability with the guideline levels recommended by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organization (WHO). Results show that most parameters were within the guideline values in both seasons except for turbidity, pH, fluoride (F-), chlorine (Cl+), iron (Fe2+), ammonia (NH4+) and manganese (Mn2+). Overall, all of the wards had at least one instance in which a parameter falls outside recommended guideline. A further analysis using the mean value test approach to assess level of contamination relative to guideline values showed that the upper bound value (US95) of turbidity, iron, pH and chlorine are greater than their guideline values. This indicates that these are the parameters for which the most urgent action is needed. The high concentration of iron and turbidity outside the prescribed limits in the rainy season suggests that water managers need pay more attention to borehole water quality in the rainy season. There is need for further research across the region to better understand the quality and the contaminants (natural and anthropogenic) of borehole water so as to be able to proffer appropriate remediation strategy.    Key words: Groundwater, guideline value, mean value test, standard organisation of Nigeria (SON), World Health Organisation (WHO).

Assessment of Physicochemical Quality of Spring Water in Arbaminch, Ethiopia

Spring water is a major source of water for drinking, agricultural, and industrial desires. The availability of water determines the location and activities of humans in an area and our growing population is placing great demands upon natural fresh water resources. However, they are sometimes exposed to various forms of pollution such as agricultural, industrial and residential. In the present study spring water samples were collected from Arbaminch spring and have been analyzed for physico-chemical parameters pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total alkalinity, total hardness (TH), Cl-, F-, NO3 -, NO2 -, Na+, K+, Ca2+, SO4 2- and Mg2+. The obtained values of each parameter were compared with the standard values set by the World Health Organization (WHO), standards organization of Nigeria (SON), Indian standards institution (ISI) and United nations environmental protection agency (USEPA)drinking waterquality standards. The values of each parameter were found to be within the safe limit values except Cl- , total alkalinity and F-. But the concentration of Cl- was found higher than the permissible levels of Cl- for safe drinking water set by WHO and SON. Total alkalinity have been found to be high as compared to desired limit value, but little higher compared to maximum permissible limit values of ISI. The average value of F- was also found above the maximum standard values of WHO and SON, but within the maximum standard values of US-EPA

Evaluation of groundwater suitability for drinking, domestic and irrigrational purposes: A case study of Makurdi metropolis and environs, Benue State, North Central Nigeria

A study of groundwater samples from Makurdi metropolis and environs was carried out to assess its suitability for drinking, domestic and irrigational purposes. The chemistry of groundwater within the study area with respect to pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), NH3-, NO3-, Cl-, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, SO4-, Fe3+, Cu2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ was used to determine its suitability for drinking. Some parts of the study area have elevated concentration of TDS, magnesium, nitrate, sulphate, copper, manganese and iron and which are considered unsafe for drinking and some domestic uses based on the standard organization of Nigeria (SON, 2007) and the World health organization (WHO, 2011) guideline concentration for drinking water. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percentage sodium (Na%) and bicarbonate hazard have been studied to evaluate the suitability of the groundwater for irrigation purpose. This study show that groundwater within the area is safe for irrigation with respect to sodium adsorption ratio but a good number of the samples had high values of bicarbonate hazard and percentage sodium, and are unsuitable for irrigation. Key words: Irrigation, groundwater, Makurdi metropolis, suitability.

PERFORMANCE INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRICIAL POWER SUPPLY TO OWERRI FOR HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY

This research was carried out to investigate the performance of electrical power supply to Owerri, Imo State Capital. The Enugu Electrical Distribution Company (EEDC), Owerri was the case study and sample of 10 respondents representing each unit were used. Structured questionnaire and observations techniques were administered during this research. The data presentation tools were tables and charts. It was found out that the major hindrances to Customer satisfaction in Power supply were: inadequate megawatts of power availability, obsolete network and equipment that require upgrade, overload networks, poor funding, lack of routine maintenance culture, inadequately trained manpower, logistics (vehicle, personal and material problems), psychological and physiological problems. Although the privatization policy is believed to be a progressive step to these challenges. based on the aforementioned, it was therefore recommended that management’s proactiveness to manage faults and equipment upgrade, government and private sectors should actively involve positive and effective management, as well as smart metering to ensure consumers meet up with charges, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) play major to ensure substandard materials and products are not delivered, form rural cooperative society to create awareness on how to use light and serve as interface between the company and community.

Kinetic and equilibrium studies of the heavy metal remediation potential of Helix pomentia

Heavy metals are one of the major pollutants in water and are very toxic. However, chitosan – a waste biomass of agricultural products possess the ability to chelate heavy metals in water. In this study, the application of snail (Helix pomatia) shell based chitosan for remediating heavy metals contaminated Osun River (OSR), Odo-ebu stream (OBS) and Aso well water (AWW), all in Osogbo community, Nigeria; and the binding efficiency of chitosan for heavy metals in these water sources were evaluated. The result shows the prevalence of Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), and Lead (Pb) ions in the three water samples with OBS and OSR having higher metal concentrations in the order: Pb > Cd > Fe > Zn > Cr > Cu compared with AWW which follows the order: Fe > Zn > Pb > Cr > Cd > Cu. The concentration range of heavy metals in OBS and OSR were (0.0011 -2.831) mg/L and (0.0012 -1.687) mg/L respectively, while for AWW it was (0.0004-0.0237) mg/L and below the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) 2007 and World Health Organization (WHO) 2004; maximum permissible level of metal ions in drinking water. The prepared chitosan is a selective candidate for remediating four heavy metals ions from these water samples, with the maximum sorption capacities for the metal ions in the sequence: Pb > Cd > Fe > Cr. The sorption behaviour followed a pseudo-second-order model, while the equilibrium data correlated well with the Langmuir isotherm models with the RL values in the range 0 < RL < 1. Key words: Heavy metals, Helix pomatia, chitosan, dumpsite, equilibrium studies.

Comparative study of household water treatment in a rural community in Kwara state, Nigeria

This research presents the household treatment of drinking water samples in a rural community in Nigeria by boiling and water guard. The physicochemical parameters of the raw water samples with exception of chloride, BOD and dissolved oxygen were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The mean BOD value of the public tap water samples (5.3 mg L -1 ) was lower that of the bore-hole water samples (9.1 mg L -1 ). The major anions determined were within permissible limits With exception of Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) the other metals investigated were either not detected or had their concentrations below maximum permissible limits. There was no significant difference (p-1 for the water `coliform bacteria but after treatment by boiling and water guard, it was observed that the coliform count was reduced to zero with boiling but remained as 1cfu 100mL-1 with water guard. Bacillus and Mucor species isolated from the water samples of public taps were removed by boiling and water guard treatments. Keywords: Water quality, Water treatment Coliform bacteria, Metals

Physico-chemical Quality of Drinking Water in New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria

The study assesses the physico-chemical parameters and metal concentrations in drinking water from different sources in New Bussa, Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Triplicate Water samples were collected from 12 sampling points located all over the town including a well, boreholes and water works. Physico -chemical parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, chloride and sulphate) and metal contents (sodium, calcium, magnesium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, iron and zinc) were analyzed using standar d methods. Results obtained were compared to World HealthOrganization (WHO) and StandardOrganization of Nigeria (SON) drinking water standards. All other metals were within desirable limits except magnesium (Mg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Mean values f or mg were higher than the 0.20 mgL-1 SON maximum limit. Cd was not detected at sampling point 12 but exceeded the WHO and SON limits in all the other sites including the water works. Pb was undetected at some sampling points but was considerably higher th an the recommended standard of 0.01 mgL-1 at point 7. The results for Cd and Pb have serious implication on human health since these metals are toxic to all human and animal tissues. Original ResearchArticle

Studies on Some Quality Parameters of the Nigerian Polymer and Paper Bank Notes

There is no doubt that in Nigeria, the change to mis-using and counterfeiting of the paper bank notes have given cause for concern by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), prompting the introduction of the polymer bank notes to address some of these problems. This research work investigates the physico-mechanical properties of samples of Nigerian polymer and paper bank notes of N5, N10, N20 and N50 denominations for quality parameters such as sizes, sorption rates, tear and tensile strengths, wet and dry rubfastness testing on standard Grey Scales ratings as well as microbial loads. The results showed that polymer notes have sizes of 131.0 x 72mm/0.7 on the average compared to 150.0 x 72mm/0.8 for paper for all the sample denominations. Tensile strength determinations on a Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON),s Stable MicroSystem (SMS) Tensometer 5011 indicates 122.64Nmm±2 mean for both polymer and paper while tear strength measurements on Elmendarf 2000 tear testing Machine showed a mean value of 6341.2N±3.0 for polymer as against 3223.8N±5.0 for paper. Rubfastness testings indicate that polymer notes have ratings of 4/5(wet condition) and 5 (dry condition) compared to 1(wet condition) and 2 (dry condition) for paper. Sorption rates (% Swelling Indices) in selected polar and nonsolvents (liquids) were carried out as well as Original Research Article British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 4(18): 2607-2619, 2014 2608 microbial loads and the results are reported in this paper. Generally, the results showed that polymer notes exhibit far superior physicomechanical properties with very low coliform count compared to paper notes.

Chromium, Nickel and Zinc Levels from Canned and Non-Canned Beverages in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria

Heavy metals (Chromium, Nickel and Zinc) were determined from both canned and non-canned beverages sold in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Concentration of Chromium was found to range from 0.528 - 1.509mg/L for canned and 0.176 - 1.358mg/L for non-canned beverages, Nickel concentration was found to range from 0.156 - 0.802mg/L for canned and 0.125 - 0.896mg/L for non-canned beverages while Zinc concentration was also found to range between 27.652 to 35.447mg/L for canned and 26.649 to 42.447mg/L for the non-canned beverages. All the samples studied have Chromium and Zinc concentrations exceeding the maximum concentration limit (MCL) as set by USEPA while 100% of the canned beverages exceeded the (MCL) for Nickel only 93.33% of the non-canned exceeded the Nickel MCL. Levels of the metals analysed exceeded the legislative safe limits set by both United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON).Keywords: Chromium, Zinc, Nickel, Canned, Non-canned beverages.

Studies of Water and Sediment Quality of Owalla Dam, Osun State, Nigeria

Dam water and sediment were collected from ten different locations on Owalla dam to evaluate the quality of the water. The average values of most physical-chemical parameters, the pH, temperature, total dissolved solid (TDS), NO3-, total hardness (TH) were within World Health Organization (WHO) and United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines for drinking water. There was correlation between the results of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), sulphate and phosphate which were higher than the USEPA, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) or Canadian standard for drinking water. This is an indication of high load of organic pollutants. The dam sediments are texturally immatured coarse sands dominantly comprised of sub-angular to sub-rounded quartz, alkali feldspars with clay and iron-oxide coatings. The sediments geochemical composition is essentially silica, alumina and iron oxide. Toxic trace elements including Cd and Pb occur in very minor to insignificant concentrations with Igeo (index of geo-accumulation) values classifying the sediments as unpolluted. The sediments are also characterised by variably-high CIA (chemical index of alteration) values (av. 60) which is an indication that their derivation was from moderate to high tropical weathered source areas.

Evaluation of the Ecological Impact of Human Settlement on the Water Quality of Lower Cross River, Nigeria

The ecological impact of human settlement on the water quality of Lower Cross River, Nigeria was evaluated. The physical and chemical conditions of the river water were determined from January to August, 2011. Three stations comprising Itu in Akwa Ibom State with intense human activities (station 2), its upstream (without human settlement) at Cross River State (station 1) and the downstream (station 3) were sampled. The Parametric One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that of the 17 physical and chemical parameters determined, only water level and COD were found to be significantly different () among stations. The spatial variations in the level of significant correlation of the physical and chemical parameters among the stations and the higher level of interrelationship in downstream station 2 and 3 than station 1 could be attributed to inputs resulting from human settlement. Comparison between some parameters with Standard Organization of Nigeria, and World Health Organization maximum permitted levels for drinking water indicated that the water was not polluted. However, the BOD and COD concentrations of greater than 2 mg/L and 20 mg/L respectively were indicative of pollution.

Rainfall Harvesting as an Alternative Water Supply in Water Stressed Communities in Aguata-Awka Area of Southeastern Nigeria

Alternative sources of water are sought in some water stressed communities in the study area. The study focuses on the Aguata-Awka area of southeastern Nigeria. Aquifers occur at great depths, and surface waters may be far from homesteads. The scarcity of water has necessitated the people to adopt various local technologies for harvesting rainfall. The local technology includes collecting rainwater from roofs and channeling the water into large underground tanks, shallow wells and surface reservoirs. Large concrete tanks of 6 m × 6 m × 4 m dimensions are often built underground and can store 144 m3 of water. Surface reservoirs built on 4 m concrete pillar supports having dimensions of 10 m × 10 m × 4 m and have a storage capacity of 400 m 3 . Water samples were collected at 3 different locations of Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Awka and were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and bacteriological parameters. Results indicate a range of values for pH, 5.9 to 7.1; turbidity, 0.9 to 2.7; total dissolved solids, 80 to 170 mg/L; total hardness, 4.5 to 6.4 mg/L; magnesium, 1.2 to 1.4 mg/L; bicarbonate, 19.4 to 83.6 mg/L; and sulfate, 3.6 to 6.4 mg/L. Bacteriological analysis results were negative for fecal and total coliform counts. All parameters, with the exception of pH where aluminum and galvanized iron roofs are used for collection, fall within the recommended guidelines for drinking water quality of the World Health Organization, and the Standard Organization of Nigeria, new Nigerian standards for drinking water quality. Magnesium is above the maximum permitted level for consumer acceptability of the Nigerian standards for drinking water quality. The water can be classified as fresh moderately hard and soft. The water can be described as a calcium and bicarbonate type.

Effects of Variations of the Ration of Sorghum Malt with Sweet Potato Flour on the Quality of Glucose Syrup Produced Through Enzyme Conversion Activity of Sorghum Malt

The chemical parameters of glucose syrup produced from five different weight ratios of sorghum malt and sweet potato flour using sorghum malt as a source of enzyme hydrolysis were studied. There were variations in the chemical parameters of the samples as a result of the different weight ratios of sorghum malt and sweet potato flour used. The moisture content ranged from 5.33 ‐ 8.26%, ash content 0.010 ‐ 0.040%, the dextrose equivalent 37.00 ‐ 39.33%, the acid content 0.02 ‐ 0.09%, the pH 5.4 ‐ 5.8, and the brix value 82 ‐ 86%. Significant differences were observed between the parameters (except the brix value) of the samples. All the samples had chemical parameters (except acid content of GA and dextrose equivalent of GB and GD) whose values were within the glucose syrup specifications set by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as 18% maximum for moisture content, 0.3% maximum for acid content, (38 ‐ 42)% for dextrose equivalent, (4.0 ‐ 6.0) for pH and 82% minimum for brix value. Only the sample (Glucose Syrup E) with the lowest ratio (1:4) of sorghum malt to sweet potato flour had the most desirous qualities having the lowest moisture content, lowest ash content, lowest acid

Preliminary Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Borehole Water in the vicinity of Public Health Facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Water samples were collected from boreholes in the vicinity of public health facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, for the evaluation of physicochemical parameters, using standard methods. Water pH from Keana was acidic (6.01 - 6.91), except at Chiata (9.34). pH values at Kuru (10.15) in Toto, Zalli (10.61) in Wamba, MCWC Obi (10.03) at Obi and Jangwa (10.31) in Awe were above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, so also nitrate contents in Ayele (11.04 mg/l) at Nasarawa, Chiji (12.14 mg/l) in Toto, Karmo (12.14 mg/l) in Toto, Main Market (12.02 mg/l) at Keffi, Sabo Gari (12.04 mg/l) at Keffi, Angiri (12.06 mg/l) in Lafia, Ugah (13.02 mg/l) in Lafia, and Agwa Sule (13.05 mg/l) in Obi. The highest and the lowest conductivity (EC) values were recorded in borehole water from Nasarawa and Kokona respectively, while the highest phosphate content was recorded at Agyemo in Doma. The hardness level of water was highest at Karu and lowest in Doma, while alkalinity at Toto was highest, and lowest in Keffi. TDS, EC, alkalinity and total hardness levels were within the acceptable WHO and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) standards for ground water, which suggested that water from the boreholes were safe.

The Physico-chemical Parameters of River Ogun (Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria) in Comparison with National and International Standards

This study assessed the physico-chemical quality of River Ogun, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Southwestern Nigeria. Four locations were chosen spatially along the water course to reflect a consideration of all possible human activities that are capable of changing the quality of river water. The water samples were collected monthly for seven consecutive months (December 2011 – June 2012) at the four sampling stations. pH, air temperature (℃), water temperature (℃), conductivity (µs/cm) and total dissolved solids (mg/L) were conducted in-situ with the use of HANNA Combo pH and EC multi meter Hi 98129 and Mercury-in-glass thermometer while dissolved oxygen (mg/L), nitrate (mg/L), phosphate (mg/L), alkalinity (mg/L) and hardness (mg/L) were determined ex-situ using standard methods. Results showed that dissolved oxygen, hydrogen ion concentration, total hardness and nitrate were above the maximum permissible limit of National Administration for Food, Drugs and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), European Union (EU) and World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water during certain months of the study period. Results also showed that water temperature and conductivity were within the permissible limits of all the standards excluding FEPA. However, total dissolved solids and alkalinity were within the permissible limits of all the standards. Adejuwon and Adelakun, (2012) also reported similar findings on Rivers Lala, Yobo and Agodo in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun state, Nigeria. Since most of the parameters measured were above the maximum permissible limits of the national and international standards, it can be concluded that the water is unfit for domestic uses, drinking and aquacultural purposes and therefore needs to be treated if it is to be used at all. The low dissolved oxygen values for the first four months was too low i.e. < 5 mg/L. This is most likely as a result of the amount of effluents discharged into the river. To prevent mass extinction of aquatic organisms due to anoxic conditions, proper regulations should be implemented to reduce the organic load the river receives.

Physicochemical Analysis of Groundwater Samples of Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State of Nigeria

The physicochemical properties of groundwater fro m various locations in Bich i Local Govern ment Area of Kano State were analysed using standard methods. The samples taken from t wenty different locations revealed that the study area has a mean of Turbid ity 2.0 NTU, Colour 2.5 TCU, Temp. 25℃, P H 6.8, Total A lkalinity 85.0 mg/ l, Total Hardness 71.83 mg/ l, and others are: Calciu m 25.24 mg/l, Magnesium 2.19mg/ l, Iron 0.05, Chloride 7.89mg/l, Nitrate 0.79 mg/ l, Total d issolved solid 81.0 mg/l, and Conductivity 135µ S/cm,. The study was geared towards ascertaining the quality of ground water in the area and, it was observed that the water samp les were within World Health Organizat ion (W HO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) permissible limit fo r ground water which satisfy the safety limit for its use for various purposes like do mestic, agricultural, and industrial. It was suggested that there should be regular monitoring and control of human activities to protect the ground water fro m contaminations.

Microbiological and chemical quality assessment of some commercially packed fruit juices sold in Nigeria

The microbiological and chemical qualities of some commercially packed fruit juices sold in Nigeria were assessed. A total of 30 fruit juice samples were collected including Orange, Lemon, Pineapple, Punch and Guava juice. Samples were screened for total aerobic mesophilic bacterial counts which ranged from 1.4x104 to 2.6x105cfu/ml. The fungal count ranges from 1.4x103 to 1.7x105cfu/ml, while the coliform counts ranges from 1.1x104 to 6.0x104cfu/ml. The isolated microbes include S. aureus, B. subtilis, P. caseicolum and species of Saccharomyces, Enterobacter, Corynebacterium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Streptococcus, Acetobacter, Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Lactobacillus. The total microbial counts are within acceptable standards for human consumption. Bacillus, S. aureus Saccharomyces and Penicillium was the most prevalent organisms isolated. All the samples were of acidic pH ranging from 3.20 to 4.50. Titrable acidity was 0.19 to 0.48; sugar (% sucrose) was 0.30 to 13.00. Heavy metals were not detected in any of the samples. The level of bacterial counts, fungal count and the absence of heavy metals conform to the standard specifications of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The presence of coliforms in some of the fruit juice calls for strict adherence to GMP and effective HACCP applications.