INVESTIGATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN OLUKU/OTOFURE AREAS, SOUTHERN NIGERIA.

Odokuma-Alonge O., Chibuzor N. S. and Andre-Obayanju, O.

Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Department of Geological Sciences, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater quality in Oluku/Otofure, Ovia Northeast and environs were investigated in order to evaluate the impact of surface anthropogenic activities. Seven (7) water samples obtained from groundwater (borehole) were analyzed for their physico-chemical and microbial parameters using standard techniques. The results of the analysis reveal the following:  pH (5.2-5.5), calcium (0.4-1.2), magnesium (0.244-0.977), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (5.0-10.0), Dissolved Solid (DO) (6.32-7.44), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) (4.32-6.00), Total Hardness (2.0-6.0), colour (0.0-3.0), turbidity (0.0-0.3), electrical conductivity (13.5-21.8), phosphate (0.14-0.55), nitrate (0.132-0.440), nitrogen (0.01-0.03), chloride (35.5-70.5) and E.coli (19-36MPN). The results of the physico-chemical analysis show that these values all fall within the standard limits, except the pH of the water sample which has values between 5.2 – 5.5, hence are slightly acidic. The low concentration of calcium and magnesium ions suggests the water to be soft. The high presence of feacal coliform (3.6-19MPN) suggests probable contamination of the water from surface anthropogenic activities. The water quality is therefore not potable and unfit for human consumption. As a result, the water must be adequately treated before being used.

Keywords: potability, groundwater, contamination, microbial parameters

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