Physicochemical Characteristics of Water Available for Livestock and Human Use in Lala District, Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine physicochemical properties of water available for livestock and human use in Lala District, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, North eastern Nigeria. Questionnaire,oral interview and visual observations were employed to evaluate the physical quality of the water sources. Water samples collected from the sources were analyzed for Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Copper (Cu), and Lead (Pb), which were considered critical for water quality. The concentration of alkali and alkaline metals (Na, Mg, K, Ca,) were determined in mg/l, while trace elements (Cu and Pb) were estimated in Ug/1 due to their lower concentration. Bulk 210 GP Automatic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used for major elements, Flame Photometer for minor elements, pH meter for acidity and alkalinity values and normal parameters for Air/Acetylene flame. The results of physical assessment of water quality in the study area were given as 69.5% (good), 45.5% (colored), 4.5% (contained bad odor) and 10.5% (contained particles) as a sign of impurity. The chemical property of water was given as 72.144 mg/l (Ca), 19.444 mg/l (Mg), 3.000 mg/l (K), 0.0545 mg/l (Na), 0.061 ug/l (CU), 0.010ug/l (Pb) and 7.3 (pH). The variation in water quality was due to differences in sources of supply since they have different terrains and water levels. The chemical concentrations of the water were found to be within World Health Organization’s (WHO) permissible values. Thus, the water from the various sources and locations is safe for livestock and human consumption.

Keywords: Water quality, livestock, metals, Nigeria