Physico-Chemical and Microbial Analyses of Groundwater from The Upper Cretaceous Deposits Underlying Parts of Udi And Eziagu Areas of Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

Water is critical for socioeconomic development, human survival, terrestrial habitats and marine ecosystems. It is estimated that over 20 million Nigerians do not have access to 20 liters of safe drinking water. Groundwater quality is of utmost importance in water supply issues in any community in the developing regions of the world. The objective of this research work is to examine the status of water quality variables in the underlying aquifers of the Late Cretaceous deposits of Oji, Udi and Eziagu areas of southeastern Nigeria, and to establish if these variables conform to the WHO guidelines and SON-NSDWQ standards for drinking water and hence ensure a healthy citizenry and environmental sustainability. Thirteen water samples were collected from boreholes in the late Cretaceous deposits underlying Oji, Udi and Eziagu areas of southeast Nigeria. The aquiferous formations encountered are Nsukka, Ajali. Analytical data obtained were used to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbial parameters. The physical parameters analyzed include pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity. Major chemical constituents analyzed are calcium, magnesium, potassium (cations) and bicarcarbonate, chloride and sulphate (anions). Microbial analyses were also carried out to indicate the amount of coliform counts. Water samples from Nsukka Formation gave mean values for pH to be 6.2 and turbidity 0.9mg/l. Calcium ion analyzed is 12.7, while bicarbonate ion gave 52.5mg/l. Results from Ajali Formation indicate mean value of pH is 6.13 while turbidity is 4.21mg/l. Mean values obtained for calcium is 25.0mg/l and bicarbonate ion gave 42.7mg/l. Results of microbial analysis gave zero count values for faecal coliform and total coliform. All the water samples analyzed fall within the recommended guidelines of WHO guidelines. Potable water is obtained from aquifer systems meeting the water needs of the local populace and thus improving the general health being of the people.