Open AccessVariation of Groundwater and Rainwater Quality in a Nigerian Leper Colony
Author(s) -
R. A. Olaoye,
A.O. Coker,
M. K. C. Sridhar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of advanced chemistry research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2684-4478
DOI - 10.24018/ejchem.2021.2.3.68
Subject(s) - rainwater harvesting , environmental science , water quality , groundwater , water source , water supply , waterborne diseases , potable water , raw water , water treatment , nitrate , environmental engineering , contamination , toxicology , water resource management , ecology , biology , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Adequate supply of potable water is a major challenge in most leper colony with emphasis often placed on water needs of “normal” people but little concern on the safe water source for the physically challenged and vulnerable lepers with limited mobility who cannot search for other sources of water outside designated colony. This study was designed to investigate the quality of water sources within a Nigerian leper colony. Periodic characterization of groundwater and rainwater samples was conducted using American Public Health Association (APHA) methods to determine physico-chemical parameters; appearance, odour, colour, taste, chloride, pH, sulphate, copper, zinc, iron, nitrate and bacteriological parameters; coliform organism and Escherichia coli (E-coli) against the world health organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Water samples were clear and odourless. Most of the parameters tested from both sources; groundwater and rainwater were within the recommended standard. Results from short term water quality parameters taken from 2010-2012 were relatively within the same range while the long-term decadal water quality parameters showed slight variation compared to the short term. Heavy metals showed remarkable variation in 2019 while bacteriological parameters from both water sources were above the permissible threshold. For potable use, water sources require adequate treatment. Boiling or disinfection is recommended until water samples have been retested to ascertain that contamination has been eliminated. In addition, home water-treatment through the use of filters, solar disinfection, or flocculants should be provided to make the water safe.