Water Quality Indices of Underground Water in Bayelsa State: Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment

@article{1710169,
      author = {Rebecca Adeola Debekeme, Patrick Kingsley Iwuanyanwu, Chinemerem Eleke, Amanda Daudimere Debekeme},
      title = {Water Quality Indices of Underground Water in Bayelsa State: Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {2},
      pages = {613-615},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1710169.pdf},
      abstract = {This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of underground water sources in Ibelebiri and Otuasega towns, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from boreholes and wells and analyzed using standard methods for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, nitrate, sulphate, carbonate, and microbial load. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was computed for both locations. Results showed that Ibelebiri had higher levels of EC (411.4 ?S/cm), TDS (27.64 mg/L), chloride (67.84 mg/L), and carbonate (17.28 mg/L) compared to Otuasega (EC 186.96 ?S/cm, TDS 123.18 mg/L, chloride 38.56 mg/L, carbonate 9.6 mg/L). WQI scores indicated poor water quality in Ibelebiri (40) and marginal quality in Otuasega (50). Microbiological analysis revealed elevated microbial load, suggesting contamination. The study concludes that underground water in these communities is unsuitable for direct human consumption without treatment and recommends community-based water safety interventions.},
      keywords = {Water quality index, groundwater, borehole, well water, public health.},
      month = {August},
  }