Assessment of physicochemical and microbiological quality of borehole water in Dutse Metropolitan Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The health risks associated with individual borehole water quality consumed is not well known for a developing nation like Nigeria. Spatial distribution of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters were assessed from Dutse metropolitan in Jigawa state of Nigeria. Water samples were collected from four boreholes A, B, C & D and analyzed in the Dry season (on 22^nd February, 2016). Atomic absorption spectroscopy and standard microbiology methods were used to determine the chemical and microbiological quality of sampled water. The results showed that physico-chemical parameters; pH ranged from (6.5-7.5). Others all in (mg/L); TDS varied from (150 – 440); NOM₃-N ranged from (1.0 – 3.0), CaCO₃ (1.0 - 3.2), Mn (0.01 - 0.1), and F- ranged from (0.0-0.4). Micro-biological parameters; Total plate bacteria (cfu/100ml) ranged from (5.8x10 – 2.6x10). F.C and E.coli values recorded (Nil). Sample A boreholes produced slightly more acidic water than sample B boreholes. However, the entire sample tends towards Neutral. TDS, NO₃-N, CaCO₃, Mn and F- values were all far below the NSDWQ and WHO standards of drinking water. However, Values for TPB recorded were below the NSDWQ and WHO while the E.coli and FC values are in agreement with NSDWQ and WHO requirement Value. It is therefore recommended to conduct survey of borehole sites prior to drilling to prevent areas of potential hazard to groundwater.

Keywords: Boreholes, Physico-chemical, Water, Microbiological quality, Groundwater