Analysis of Physicochemical Parameters of Groundwater of Middle Aquifer in Monguno Town, Monguno Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the physicochemical parameters of groundwater of the Middle aquifer in the Monguno. The inadequate water supply is also poor in terms of quality as exposure to the atmosphere (oxygen) reduces the palatability and aesthetic value of the water from the user’s perspective due to the yellowish-brown coloration which is unusual under ideal circumstances. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the physicochemical parameters of groundwater chemistry of the Middle aquifer in the Monguno Local Government area since it is the predominant source of water supply.  The analysis of sampled water in the area shows the concentration of tested parameters and possible implications of using water for drinking exceeding acceptable WHO (World Health Organization) and Nigerian Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) limits. The specific objectives of this study were to analyze the physicochemical parameters of groundwater of the Middle aquifer in the area. The method used in the study includes observation, laboratory test of water samples using Palintest/Photometer for colour, Chromium, Nitrate, Fluoride, Copper, Iron, digital arsenator for Arsenic, pH/Temperature Sensor for temperature and pH, and conductivity sensor for water conductivity. Analysis of variance was done using a Microsoft Excel package for comparison of results with WHO Standards and NSDWQ. The major finding of the research was that the physiochemical analysis revealed that all the fifteen 15 water samples analyzed have pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), Temperature, Nitrate, Fluoride, and Copper, in conformity with the WHO and NSDWQ except Chromium, Iron, and Arsenic which were found to be above acceptable limits in most of the boreholes. Nine samples out of fifteen samples have Chromium Cr³⁺ranging from 0.09mg/l to 0.6mg/l exceeding the acceptable limit of 0.05 mg/l, thirteen water samples have Iron ranging from 0.15mg/l to 4mg/l exceeding the acceptable limit of 0.10mg/l, while all the fifteen samples have Arsenic ranging from 0.11mg/l to 0.30mg/l exceeding the acceptable limit of 0.01mg/l. Having discovered that there is a high level of arsenic, iron, and chromium. However, long-term exposure to arsenic and chromium in drinking water above acceptable limits predisposes to cancer which is an adverse health problem while iron has less adverse health implications although it affects the aesthetic value of water because of the yellowish-brown coloration colors in clothes, kitchen utensils and other household items that contact with the water. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made; Municipal water treatment plant should be constructed so that the water from the middle aquifer zone borehole whose physicochemical parameters exceed acceptable standards such as arsenic and chromium are reduced through the process of reverse osmosis.