ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF SELECTED BOREHOLE WATER IN THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, BIDA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The concern over exposure to drinking water contaminants and the resultant adverse effects on human health has prompted several studies evaluating the quality of drinking water sources. This work, was, therefore, aimed at generating baseline data on the water quality status of borehole waters in the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Northern Nigeria. The water samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical and bacteriological parameters using standard methods by APHA. World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) acceptable limits for drinking water were used in their comparisons and evaluation. All physicochemical parameters in the borehole water samples were within WHO and FEPA recommended standards, except for the slightly elevated levels of nitrate. The concentration of total coliform and faecal coliform obtained from the water samples exceeds WHO standard of 10MPN/100ml and 0MPN/100ml respectively for drinking water. Eschericha coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Baccillus, and Klebsiella were found in Small gate borehole, Sheraton hostel borehole, Hostel G borehole, Nicon hostel borehole, and Administrative block boreholes, respectively. However, the bacteriological characteristics of all these boreholes did not conform to WHO standards for drinking water, thereby making all the boreholes sampled unfit for drinking. Adequate treatment method is recommended before these water sources are consumed in order to avoid epidemic of water related diseases. Other implications of findings for theory development, practice, and further empirical studies are discussed.