Studies on the Physicochemical Effects of pH, Sulphate and Zinc Concentrations on the Water Samples in Nsukka Town, Enugu State of Nigeria

Abstract

Most of our water resources are gradually becoming polluted due to the addition of foreign materials from the surroundings. These include organic of plant and animal origin, land surface washing, and industrial and sewage effluents. The problem of environmental pollution due to toxic metals has begun to cause concern now in most major metropolitan cities. Nsukka environs have been plagued with perennial problem of water supplies round the year and a better understanding of its water physicochemically status will help to address this daunting problem and issues of human health. The analysis carried out was on the utility water supplies in Nsukka area. Thirteen sampling areas consisting of four boreholes, six dug wells and three springs were chosen for this research work. A total of 26 water samples were taken from the sampling areas during the dry season and another 26 samples during the wet season. Water samples were collected from these sampling areas and refrigerated at 4°C for processing. Concentration of zinc was determined in each sample by spectrophotometric method. Harch Model C50 digital multi-range meter was used to measure the pH. Chemical parameter such as sulphate was also determined by spectrophotometric method. Bacteriological analysis of the water samples was carried out to ascertain whether there was faecal contamination by the use of multiple tube/most probable number techniques. Sulphate concentration of water sample from spring sources increased significantly (p<0.05) during dry season iiwhen compared with that of wet season. No significant difference (p>0.05) exists in the concentration of zinc compared to all other test samples.