QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SACHET AND GROUNDWATER FOR DRINKING PURPOSE IN OKERENKOKO, GBARAMATU KINGDOM, NIGERIA

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the quality of available drinking water sources in Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Nigeria. The parameters assessed include pH, EC, TDS, Pb, Fe, Mn, bacterial and fungal counts using appropriate methods. The results was recorded in triplicate and presented in mean values; the pH values ranged from 6.0 – 7.33; Pb (0.04 – 0.60 mg/L); Fe (0.33 – 5.84 mg/L) and Mn (0.18 – 2.60 mg/L). Conversely, the bacteriological results showed a range of total bacteria counts of 2 X 103 - 18.3 X 103 (cfu/ml) and a total fungi counts of 2 X 103 - 20.3 X 103 (cfu/ml) respectively. On isolation, Escherichia, Staphylococus Epidermis, Streptococus Spp and Staphylococcus Aureus were recovered as bacteria isolates while Trichoderma Spp, Agergillus Flavus, Ahergillus Niger, Penicillium Spp and Mucor were recovered as fungi isolates in some of the water samples collected. Correlation analysis at P < 0.01 revealed a similar source for Pb, Fe and Mn which is attributed to the anthropogenic activities in the area. Juxtaposing correlation analysis with regression analysis using Pb as an independent variable, the result showed an increasing trend of the metals against the natural background which further confirms anthropogenic input. Groundwater in the study area cannot be consumed unless thorough treatment is administered in view of the health implication.