Characterization of Groundwater Quality Using Water Quality Index in Umuebulu IV Oyigbo, Rivers State

Abstract

This study evaluated the groundwater quality in Umuebulu IV, Oyigbo, using water quality index (WQI) with a view to ascertain its suitability for domestic and drinking water purposes. Groundwater samples were collected from ten (10) functional boreholes in the study area. These water samples were subjected to a comprehensive physicochemical analysis using standard method. The water quality index of the area was calculated using weighted arithmetic mean. Fifteen (15) parameters were analyzed but only nine (9): pH, Electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Chloride, Nitrate, Sulphate, Phosphate, Total Hardness and Sodium which were detected during the analysis was used for the WQI calculation. The WQI values of 18.69, 13.86, 17.67, 16.01, 16.99, 14.69, 12.94, 16.50, 13.09 and 11.78 were recorded from BH1 to BH10 respectively which shows that that all the water samples were in the excellent category. The pH values ranging from 5.47 - 5.82 shows slight acidity and as such would require treatment to bring it to an acceptable limit. However, the low values of the WQI have been found to be mainly due to the low values of the chemical parameters analyzed suggesting that the groundwater is suitable for domestic and drinking purpose.