Quantitative Status of Indicator Bacterial and Heavy Metal of Groundwater in Some Coastal Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the quality potential of groundwater in coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Thirty boreholes were sampled, and analyzed for heavy metals and biological parameters using routine techniques of groundwater studies. The study revealed bacterial contamination of groundwater in the area. Iron ranged from 0.0mg/l to 0.90mg/l; magnesium ranged from <0.01mg/l to 9.88mg/l; calcium ranged from <0.01mg/l to 20.78mg/l; total coliform bacteria ranged from 0.27MPN/100ml to 2400.01MPN/100ml; biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 0.1mg/l to 10.02mg/l. Mean BOD and COD were 0.76mg/l and 1.03mg/l respectively; mean total coliform, fecal coliform and E-coli bacteria were 530.65MPN/100ml, 557.24MPN/100ml and 113.17MPN/100ml respectively. The presence of bacterial coliform in the borehole water was attributed to poor waste disposal, surface run-off and perennial flooding in the area. The study showed that groundwater in the area is of poor quality and not suitable for drinking. Therefore, groundwater in the area should be treated to improve its quality before drinking.