PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL STUDIES OF BOREHOLE WATER COLLECTED IN EKOSODIN VILLAGE, EDO STATE.
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Abstract
This study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological quality of borehole water from five student-dominated areas in Ekosodin Village, Benin City, to assess compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS)
guidelines. Standard analytical methods were employed to determine key physicochemical parameters, major ions, heavy metals, and microbial indicators Most physicochemical parameters, including turbidity (0.98 - 4.38 NTU), TDS (10.32 - 92.27 mg/L), Conductivity (16.13 - 144.10 µS/cm), hardness (0.15 - 2.90 mg/L), sulphates (3.0 - 4.61 mg/L), nitrates (2.87- 8.94 mg/L), and nitrites(0.01- 0.02 mg/L), were within permissible limits of 5NTU, 500mg/L, 1000µS/cm, 500mg/L, 250mg/L, <50mg/L and 3mg/l respectively. However, pH values at Edo Street (5.77) were below the recommended range of 6.5-8.5, and water temperatures exceeded the 25 °C guideline in most locations. Concentrations of cadmium (up to 0.03 mg/L) and lead (up to 0.03 mg/L) exceeded permissible limits (0.003 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L, respectively), suggesting potential toxicological risks. Microbiological assessment indicated elevated heterotrophic bacterial counts (3.00– 76 CFU/mL) and fecal contamination, making the water unsuitable for direct consumption. The findings from this study underscore the need for regular water quality monitoring, appropriate treatment measures, and improved borehole management to safeguard student health in Ekosodin Village.
guidelines. Standard analytical methods were employed to determine key physicochemical parameters, major ions, heavy metals, and microbial indicators Most physicochemical parameters, including turbidity (0.98 - 4.38 NTU), TDS (10.32 - 92.27 mg/L), Conductivity (16.13 - 144.10 µS/cm), hardness (0.15 - 2.90 mg/L), sulphates (3.0 - 4.61 mg/L), nitrates (2.87- 8.94 mg/L), and nitrites(0.01- 0.02 mg/L), were within permissible limits of 5NTU, 500mg/L, 1000µS/cm, 500mg/L, 250mg/L, <50mg/L and 3mg/l respectively. However, pH values at Edo Street (5.77) were below the recommended range of 6.5-8.5, and water temperatures exceeded the 25 °C guideline in most locations. Concentrations of cadmium (up to 0.03 mg/L) and lead (up to 0.03 mg/L) exceeded permissible limits (0.003 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L, respectively), suggesting potential toxicological risks. Microbiological assessment indicated elevated heterotrophic bacterial counts (3.00– 76 CFU/mL) and fecal contamination, making the water unsuitable for direct consumption. The findings from this study underscore the need for regular water quality monitoring, appropriate treatment measures, and improved borehole management to safeguard student health in Ekosodin Village.
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