Spatial analysis of groundwater quality in Warri Urban, Nigeria

Abstract

The physiochemical and microbiological parameters of borehole water from 20 boreholes in Warri Urban, Delta State were investigated to evaluate their pollution level. Water samples were collected using sterilized plastic sample flasks and were immediately taken to the laboratory for testing. The mineral content was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while the t test method was used to examine the major physical and chemical variables responsible for groundwater pollution in the study area. Furthermore, the cluster analysis was used to establish the spatial structure of the level of pollution of the groundwater in the study area. The result obtained revealed that the average total coliform counts of the water sample in the study area were all above the World health Organization (Guidelines for drinking water quality, vol 1, 3rd edn, WHO Press, Geneva, p 515, 2006) permissible limit for drinking water and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (2007). Based on the forgoing, a number of recommendations were made, including that groundwater sources in the study area should be treated for microbial contaminants before consumption, routine checks of the quality of domestic water supply are needed to ascertain pollution status. More importantly, high sanitary condition should be maintained around boreholes as well as general maintenance of boreholes at periodic intervals or as the need arises.