Water Quality Index classification of ground water samples collected from Opete, community, Delta State, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The overall quality of groundwater samples collected from different sampling points in Opete Community, Delta State was evaluated using Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment. Ten ground water samples abstracted in duplicates were obtained from 10 sampling points in various areas within Opete. Selected physico-chemical evaluation of the water samples was conducted using standard techniques. The parameters were; Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), magnesium and calcium. All the water samples were acidic as the pH values ranged from 3.20 to 6.00. The mean TDS readings varied from 9.80 mg/L to 134.50 mg/L. The water quality index values obtained ranged from 34.506 to 69.44. The WQI classification of water samples collected from sampling point (SP) 3 and 10 was bad while samples sourced from SP 2,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 were of medium quality. Although the results indicated the unsuitability of the sampled ground water for direct anthropogenic consumption, the water is suitable for conducting domestic chores such as sanitation activities.