Quality Evaluation of Earth Dam and Pond Water in Gella, Mubi South Local Government Area

Abstract

The present work was to evaluate the quality of ponds and earth dam water of Gella town in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State in order to examine its suitability for drinking and domestic purposes. Four ponds and an earth dam water samples were collected each during dry seasons between the months of November to April 2015/2016. The samples were analyzed using arithmetic mean and standard deviation which was then compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and NAFDAC standard. Physicochemical parameters were studied using standard methods, concentrations of heavy metals determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy and bacteriological analysis conducted using standard methods. Result of the analyses revealed that the water samples were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 5.60 ± 0.17 – 7.20 ± 0.12). The calcium concentration in water studied ranged between 19.79±01 to 28.21±00 mg/L while that of magnesium ranged between 0.94±0.01 to 2.18±0.06 mg/L and these concentrations were within permissible WHO and NAFDAC recommended standard limits. While the coliform count were above WHO and NAFDAC standards for drinking water, and the water samples were good for drinking and domestic purposes. Water treatment and regular monitoring of the water quality of the area and provision of industrial motorized borehole water for easy distribution to the community have been strongly recommended.