Author(s) :

Ocheri, M. I., Ode, O. O..

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The physico-chemical and bacteriological properties of water from hand dug wells in Oju town is examined in this study. A total of fifteen hand dug wells were sampled across the three residential areas of the town in the month of August, 2010. Water samples were analysed according to standard methods of examination for water and reported based on Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). This involves in-situ, field determination using meters and laboratory techniques such as titration and atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods of analysis. The result of analyses shows that iron, nitrates and bacteria concentrations exceed the NSDWQ standard in some hand dug wells. Other parameters like pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness and chloride were within the NSDWQ standard. The high concentration of iron, nitrates and bacterial contamination is attributed to shallow well depth, distance to latrine/soak away, improper well construction as well as land use. This has rendered the water unsafe for drinking. It is therefore recommended that hand dug well water should be disinfected by the use of adequate volume of water guard as well as other water purifier to ensure its safety.

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