PHYSICO–CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ASSAY
OF SUB-SURFACE WATER IN EDE-ADEJO, IDAH LOCAL
GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
*Onojah, P.K., *Nsi, E.W. and **Akor, J.A.
*Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State
**Department of Integrated Sciences, Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Kogi State
E-mail: akorjoy2@gmail.com
Abstract: Physico-chemical studies and bacteriological assay of sub-surface water in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, North Central, Nigeria, were carried out to evaluate the probability and quality of the rural water supplies and to provide baseline data for future pollution studies using flame photometer, Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer, gravimetric method and pH meters. Water samples were collected at five different times from each of five boreholes located in different areas in Ede-Adejoh in the Local Government Area for analysis, using various standard methods. The annual mean values of chemical parameters in triplicate analysis of the various water samples showed the following results: pH 6 ± 0.6, COD 10.5m1/L ± 3.8, chloride ion (Cl–) concentration of 53mg/L ± 0.5, sulphate ion (S042-) 4.10mg/L ± 0.04, sodium ion (Na+) 0.54mg/L ± 0.1, potassium ion (K+) 0.55mg/L ± 0.3 and calcium ion (Ca2+) 0.04mg/L ± 0.6. The concentration of heavy metals included: Zn2+ 2.38mg/L ± 0.06, Pb+ 0.08mg/L ± 0.04, Cd2+ 0.04mg/L ± 0.05 acid Hg+ 0.004mg/L ± 0.005. The result also showed that the sub-surface water in Idah was free from coliform bacteria (E. coli) indicating the absence of faecal pollution. Compared with WHO standard for drinking water, pH was low, and within the acceptable limit by the WHO standard drinking water. Similarly, the concentration of total solids in water was also low compared with the standard. Low pH (in all the boreholes), high level of heavy metals lead, calcium, zinc, iron) seriously impair the quality of ground water in the area. However, treatment by boiling, addition of lime, sedimentation and filtration using appropriate medium could adequately improve the water quality and make it safe for drinking and other uses.