Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessments of Newly Dug Borehole Water Sources in Rafi Local Government, Minna, Niger State

Abstract

The quality of potable water depends not only on its physical and chemical characteristics but also on its biological characteristics. Potable water is often sourced from surface water, mainly rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater - boreholes and wells; of which boreholes are supposedly superior. In the present study, the physicochemical and microbiological status of six newly drilled boreholes in Rafi Local Government Area, Minna, Niger State was assessed. Twenty-two physicochemical parameters and coliform count were determined. Water samples were collected from newly drilled borehole water sources in Tsofomension 1, TsofoMension 2, Katako, Tunga Bako, Kagara and Kwana. The colour, odour, taste, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH, chloride and copper ions were within acceptable limits. Iron and manganese content of the three regions were highly elevated above the recommended level. It is of concern that the level of hydrogen sulphide (0.2 - 0.27) was far above the permissible level (0.05), being newly drilled sources of water. Only one of the studied boreholes was free of both total and faecal coliforms, other boreholes were contaminated with either total or faecal coliforms or both. The findings in this study necessitate a call for increased hygiene and construction of lined soak-away to eradicate indiscriminate discharge of human and animal wastes. Appropriate water treatment methods such as coagulation, filtration and boiling of water should be encouraged. Most importantly, newly dug water sources should be tested, monitored and elaborately treated before consumption.