JEETAS_VOLUME_1_ISSUE_2_NOVEMBER_2023_R_K_Douglas_E_Komonibo

Niger Delta University Campus Borehole Water Quality Analysis

for Domestic Purposes: Treated Versus Untreated Water

R. K. Douglas*, E. Komonibo*, A. W. Opukumo**

*Department of Chemical Engineering, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa

State, Nigeria.

Email: rewardkdouglas@gmail.com

**Department of Geology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State,

Nigeria. ----------------------------------------************************---------------------------------

Abstract:

This study compared the quality of treated versus untreated water of the Niger Delta University campus

borehole water for domestic purposes. Consequently, one untreated water, and 6 treated water samples

were collected from source, and taps in 6 different hostels, respectively. Total heterotrophic bacteria (THB)

count showed no THB for the treated samples, while 1.04 x 104/ml and 3.2 x 103/ml were Nutrient agar

and MacConkey agar nutrient media, respectively for the untreated water.These values exceed the WHO

maximum value (100/ml) for potable water. Similarly, themorphological characterization and biochemical

tests revealed seven bacteria species in the untreated water sample, whereas none was identified in the

treated samples.Results of the untreated water sample showed the presence of faecal coliform bacteria

(FCB);while FCB was absent in the treated water samples.

The physiochemical parameters of the samples showed that the water is mildly acidic. The EC, TDS,

turbidity, TSS, Cl-, SO4 2-, NO3-, HCO3, TA, TH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, and Fe contents of the treated and

untreated samples were below WHO permissible limits. Overall, results suggest treated water for domestic

use. However, we recommend that water users should boil and disinfect water before use.

Keywords —Borehole water, Niger Delta University, faecal coliform bacteria, anions and cations.