Niger Delta University Campus Borehole Water Quality Analysis for Domestic Purposes: Treated Versus Untreated Water

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.