A study of water quality in jos metropolis

Author: 
Izam, Y. Y., Otubo G. C. and Olotu, P. N.

Background and Objectives: Man’s health is determined by some factors which play a leading role in making man what he is, these conditions are social, economic, political, natural, manmade and environmental factors. The main aim of this research was to investigate people’s access to quality water supply and the common bacteria found in the stored drinking water of household in the study area. Methods: To achieve these objectives an Experimental Design (laboratory study) was adopted, water samples were collected from 100 households in target communities. Physicochemical and microbial analysis of the water samples was carried out at the Plateau State Water Board (Laminga Treatment Plant). The physicochemical analysis carried out included; pH, Color, Turbidity, Total hardness, Total alkalinity, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solid, Test for water elements like; Calcium, Chloride, Iron, Fluoride, Magnesium, Manganese, Nitrates, Potassium and Sodium. For the microbial analysis, Total coliform bacteria were used as indicator to detect the presence of pathogens. Results: The result showed that for all the parameters the mean values fall within the acceptable ranges with the exception of Turbidity and Microbial analysis. The Microbial analysis showed that most water samples have high microbial load which exceeds the maximum permitted level of 10cfu/100mls. Conclusion: From the study, it can be seen that the water samples were turbid and contain high concentration of total coliform. Hence the needs to further improve the sanitation and general health of the people.

Paper No: 
4037