Analysis of Some Physicochemical Parameters of Borehole Water Samples in Some Parts of Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Some physicochemical parameters of borehole water samples from Omege Echara (Sample A) and Ndiagu Echara (Sample B) all in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were accessed. The results showed that the average total hardness (1.66mg/l) and total suspended solids (5mg/l) were within the WHO (500mg/l) specified maximum permissible limits for drinking water. Average pH values obtained were also found to be within the WHO (6.5-8.5) specified standard. Results obtained for the concentration of some heavy metals for Samples A and B showed concentrations of Pb, Cr, Fe and Cd to be 0.024mg/l and 0.00mg/l, 0.103mg/l and 0.021mg/l, 0.222mg/l and 0.041mg/l, 0.02mg/l and 0.11mg/l respectively. Most of these values were found to be above the WHO (0.01mg/l, 0.05mg/l, 0.05mg/l and 0.003mg/l) specified maximum permissible limits for sample A with abnormal concentration of these metals sufficient enough to adversely affect the health of the inhabitants of the area thereby suggesting the need for treatment and precautionary measures for the use of the particular ground water.