Potability and quality analysis of selected borehole water in port harcourt metropolis rivers state, Nigeria

Author: 
Elenwo E.I. and Opara, F.

The study examined the potability and quality analysis of borehole water in selected communities in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Experimental and cross-sectional research method was adopted. Primary and secondary data sources were used. Random sample technique was used to select (9) nine communities for water sampling. Nine boreholes were purposively sampled in the nine communities for laboratory analysis on the physical, chemical, microbial parameters and heavy metals were tested. Borehole water samples were analyzed for Physico-chemical parameters: pH, temperature, chloride, acidity, Alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS) and total hydrocarbon content. Microbial parameters were E coli and Salmonella while iron and chromium were tested as heavy metals. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as weighted Likert scale was used. Results showed mean values of physical parameters; pH (4.8), temperature (27.40C), chloride (10.0. mg/l), acidity (3.6 mg/l), Alkalinity (2.8 mg/l), THC (233.3mg/l), (TDS)(3.0 ppm), (TSS) (2.4 mg/l) Turbidity (0.4 mg/l) . Microbial analysis showed that (8) borehole waters were within permissible limit of NESREA and WHO, except for borehole (BH08) which had insignificant presence of Escherichia coli. Heavy metal analysis showed chromium (Cr) was not detected while iron (Fe) was found in about (7) boreholes but does not have any health implication. On the socio economic angle, about (75%) does not have knowledge about national or international standard water quality criteria. Also the likert scale measurement showed that the most frequent diseases /ailments residents were exposed to was linked to the of consumption of untreated borehole water in the study area, table 12 affirms the assertion. The study recommend amongst others that residents using borehole water should be educated on the possible risks and danger especially when such borehole water was not subjected to national and international water quality treatment standard.

Paper No: 
2532