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Evaluating The Quality of Groundwater in Rural Nigerian Communities. A Case Study of Borehole Water in Amaokpala, Focusing On Salinity, PH Level, Turbidity, And Heavy Metal Contamination
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Physics
Abstract
Groundwater accessed through boreholes serves as a critical source of drinking water in rural Nigerian communities, including Amaokpala, Anambra State. However, concerns over water quality due to natural geological processes and human activities, such as agricultural runoff and improper waste disposal, necessitate comprehensive assessments. This study evaluates the salinity, pH, turbidity, and heavy metal levels in five strategically selected boreholes (BH-01 to BH-05) within the community to determine their suitability for domestic and agricultural use. Water samples were analyzed using standard analytical methods, with results compared against World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water quality.The findings reveal salinity levels ranging from 150 to 200 ppm, pH levels between 6.8 and 7.2, and turbidity values from 2.8 to 5.0 NTU. Heavy metal concentrations remained within WHO guidelines, ranging from 0.02 to 0.06 mg/L. However, elevated salinity in BH-02 and turbidity in BH-05 indicate localized contamination that warrants immediate intervention. These issues underscore the need for regular water quality monitoring, the implementation of appropriate water treatment systems, and public education on sustainable water management practices.This study highlights the importance of addressing emerging water quality challenges to safeguard public health and support agricultural productivity. The insights provided aim to inform policymakers, community leaders, and researchers in developing effective, evidence-based strategies for ensuring access to safe and reliable water in Amaokpala and similar communities.
Keywords
Groundwater, Borehole Water, Salinity, Ph Level, Turbidity and Heavy Metal
References
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[3] George, N. J., Ibanga, J. I., &Ubom, A. I. (2015). Evidence of Saline Water Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 109, 37–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2015.05.001
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[5] Nahian, M. A., et al. (2018). Drinking Water Salinity and Health in Coastal Bangladesh. BioOne, 6, 143. https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.143
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How to cite this paper
@article{1708498,
author = {Okoye, Obiora Emeka, John, Godson Nnamdi, Kpaduwa, Samuel, Obiesie Florence N., Sam, Edikan Michael},
title = {Evaluating The Quality of Groundwater in Rural Nigerian Communities. A Case Study of Borehole Water in Amaokpala, Focusing On Salinity, PH Level, Turbidity, And Heavy Metal Contamination},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {11},
pages = {970-975},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708498.pdf},
abstract = {Groundwater accessed through boreholes serves as a critical source of drinking water in rural Nigerian communities, including Amaokpala, Anambra State. However, concerns over water quality due to natural geological processes and human activities, such as agricultural runoff and improper waste disposal, necessitate comprehensive assessments. This study evaluates the salinity, pH, turbidity, and heavy metal levels in five strategically selected boreholes (BH-01 to BH-05) within the community to determine their suitability for domestic and agricultural use. Water samples were analyzed using standard analytical methods, with results compared against World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water quality.The findings reveal salinity levels ranging from 150 to 200 ppm, pH levels between 6.8 and 7.2, and turbidity values from 2.8 to 5.0 NTU. Heavy metal concentrations remained within WHO guidelines, ranging from 0.02 to 0.06 mg/L. However, elevated salinity in BH-02 and turbidity in BH-05 indicate localized contamination that warrants immediate intervention. These issues underscore the need for regular water quality monitoring, the implementation of appropriate water treatment systems, and public education on sustainable water management practices.This study highlights the importance of addressing emerging water quality challenges to safeguard public health and support agricultural productivity. The insights provided aim to inform policymakers, community leaders, and researchers in developing effective, evidence-based strategies for ensuring access to safe and reliable water in Amaokpala and similar communities.},
keywords = {Groundwater, Borehole Water, Salinity, Ph Level, Turbidity and Heavy Metal},
month = {May},
}