Evaluation of Water Sources in Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria for Domestic Uses

Abstract

This work aimed at evaluation of the qualities of water sources in Abakaliki for domestic uses. The water sources used were rain water, borehole water, Ebonyi River and bottled water. The water samples from these sources were taken to laboratory for analysis of SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, Mg2+, Ca2+, pH, Fe, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Zn. The data obtained were analysed using standard deviation and coefficient of variance and compared with World Health Standard. The concentration of SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, Fe and Cu observed in all the water sources studied were within acceptable limit for domestic uses of water. The bottled water recorded the acceptable concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Pb whereas the concentrations recorded by other sources were above the World Health Organization Standards. On the other hand borehole water and bottled water recorded the concentration of Mn that is within the recommended standard. Whereas with exception of rain water the pH of all the water sources studied were within the acceptable concentration. Apart from bottled water which recorded the concentrations of all the parameters studied within the recommended ranged, all the other sources must be treated to bring them to the acceptable concentrations before usage in order to prevent health hazards associated with the parameters studied.