Physicochemical, total and faecal coliform detection of ground water in Osubi community Delta State, NigeriaTA+STATE (3).docx

Abstract

The presence or absence of pathogenic bacteria, indicated by coliforms, serves as a key measure of water's sanitary quality. This study assessed the physicochemical properties and the presence of total and faecal coliforms in groundwater from the Osubi community. A total of thirty groundwater samples were collected from three boreholes (designated as Locations 1, 2 and 3) within the community. The samples were promptly transported to the laboratory for analysis immediately after collection. Obtained results reveal water samples to be acidic across all borehole water samples analyzed with pH values of 6.3, 6, 5.5 and 5.7 and temperature, reaching levels of 24.2^OC. Presence of iron lead and cadmium was observed amongst all heavy metals present with concentrations of 0.221, 1.1225 and 0.131 mg/L, and 0.826, 0.023 and 0.008 mg/L respectively, which is basically attributed to corrosion observed within collection sites. Total coliform levels varied from 27.5 MPN/100 ml to 38 MPN/100 ml, whereas faecal coliform counts fluctuated from 0 MPN/100 ml to 26 MPN/100 ml. The observed presence of coliform bacteria and faecal coliform in groundwater samples from Osubi reveals possible leaching from septic tanks into ground water source as well as indiscriminate dumping of animal excreta at top soil surface. Consequently, the water quality index (WQI) indicates that water from all three locations is unsuitable for human consumption. The reason for this poor quality is attributed to human activities around the borehole locations as well as poor environmental practices. Hence, it is recommended that water from all borehole location should be subjected to primary water treatment processes before use as well as regular coating of water tank to prevent iron corrosion and iron contents leaching into groundwater.

Keywords: Physicochemical, bacteriological, quality, groundwater, analysis, faecal.