Physicochemical quality of borehole water in Abonnema and its public health importance

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess potability in relation to physicochemical quality characteristics of borehole water in Abonnema Community of Rivers State. The sampling sites were divided into five zones namely Bob-Manuel, Jack, Briggs, New Site and Obonoma. Water samples from various sites such as urban area, new site and rural areas were obtained.Standard sampling and analysis were done aseptically at different locations according to the compounds and sites of water supply. The result of the analysis showed that the pH values across the zones had a mean range of 6.2 + 0.2 to 6.8 + 0.4, while conductivity values for Briggs and Obonoma compounds were 47.8 and 50.6 μs/cm respectively. However, the study revealed that Mg, Fe, SO₄ and CO₂ contents were in greater amounts in the rural area and new site while chloride and copper were relatively low in the same water sites. Total alkalinity ranged between 35.2 + 9.7 and 112.7 + 7.1 mg/l in the water samples and is below the permissible limits for drinking water. From the findings of this study, borehole water samples from urban are more potable than those of new site and rural area. The public health implications for people of Abonnema who depend on these sources of water supply daily have been discussed. Treatment of boreholes, boiling and filtering of drinking water as well as improved sanitary conditions and personal hygiene were advocated. Government should as a matter of urgency ensure appreciable decline in the level of water pollution through routine monitoring of groundwater and anthropogenic activities in the zone.

KEYWORDS: Physicochemical, Borehole water, Abonnema community, Public Health, Nigeria.