Bacteriological and Physicochemical quality of Borehole water used for drinking at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Nigeria

Abstract

The concern over exposure to drinking water contaminants and the resultant adverse effects on human health has prompted several studies evaluating the quality of drinking water sources at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH). Six (6) Borehole water samples were collected from three (3) functional boreholes in OAUSTECH. Two water samples from each borehole were collected using standard techniques. The physicochemical parameters analyzed include, odor, color, taste, temperature, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, total dissolved solid, total hardness and chloride. All physicochemical parameters of the Borehole water samples were shown to be within recommended permissible limit of WHO and NAFDAC standard for potable drinking water. The bacteriological analysis of the three borehole water samples were carried out using the Most Probable Number technique (MPN). From the analysis BH1, BH2 and BH3 tested negative for total coliforms and fell within the recommended limit of WHO and NAFDAC standard for drinking water. This study has shown that water from the boreholes at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology is safe for drinking. However, good and proper environmental and personal hygiene must be maintained especially by the users of these boreholes to prevent their contamination with bacteria pathogen. Boreholes should also be properly constructed with good understanding of site locations.