ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND BACTERIAL ANALYSIS OF WELL AND BOREHOLE WATER IN ZARIA, NIGERIA
Authors
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Odeje S. C.
Department of Biological Sciences, Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano
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Aminu M. A.
Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
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Ayuba H. B.
Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Abstract
Water is an essential natural resource that sustains life, but increasing industrialization, population growth, and poor sanitation practices have resulted in the contamination of many water sources. This study assessed the physico-chemical parameters and bacterial quality of well and borehole water in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State. Water samples were collected from four locations Danraka, Samaru New Extension, Hayin Dogo and Hayin Dan Yaro and analyzed using standard analytical and microbiological techniques. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), alkalinity, hardness, chloride, phosphate, sulphate, and nitrate were determined. Results showed that pH values (6.93–8.11) were within the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, while EC and TDS varied across sites, suggesting mineral leaching and anthropogenic influence. Parameters such as chloride, nitrate, sulphate, and hardness also fell within acceptable limits. However, bacteriological analysis revealed the presence of Gram-negative, short rod-shaped coliforms including Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Vibrio sp., Serratia sp., and Providencia sp. Total coliform counts exceeded the WHO standard of zero coliforms per 100 ml in all samples, with some exceeding 1800 MPN/100 ml, indicating fecal contamination. The study concludes that although most physico-chemical parameters were within acceptable limits, the high bacterial load renders the water unsafe for direct consumption. It is recommended that all well and borehole water in the area be properly treated before use, and public health sensitization on water hygiene should be intensified.
Keywords: Physico-chemical Parameters, Well, Borehole, Bacteria, Samaru