Effect of population and level of industrialization on underground water quality of Abia state, Nigeria - physico-chemical properties

Abstract

The physico-chemical properties of underground waters in Abia State, Nigeria were determined with a view to ascertaining the effect of population density and level of industrialization on the water quality
parameters using Aba (a relatively industrialized city) and Umuahia (a city with very few industries) as a case study. Underground waters of Aba had mean pH value of 4.43 ± 0.13 which was significantly lower
(P < 0.05) than a mean value of 5.17 ± 0.09 obtained for Umuahia. Underground waters of high population density areas had mean pH value of 4.29 ± 0.16 which differed significantly from 4.88 ± 0.13
obtained for medium population density areas. Low population density areas had significantly higher pH with a value of 5.23 ± 0.10. Levels of total dissolved solids, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, SO4 2-, PO4 3-, NO3
-, Cl-, and NH4 + in the underground waters were also influenced by population density and industrialization. Significant relationship among some of these minerals were obtained, which indicated that they had
common source.