Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Selected Borehole Water Close to Septic Tanks in Edo State, Nigeria

Authors: Tongo I, Muhammad US

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

Groundwater from boreholes is particularly vulnerable to pollution, especially from septic tank effluents. This study was carried to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of borehole water close to septic tanks in Edo State, Nigeria. Groundwater samples were collected from twelve (12) residential boreholes in Ovia North East (Iguosa, Isihor), Egor (Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) road, Technical College road) and Oredo (Olague, Uzagbe) Local Government Areas of Edo State for three months, with distances ranging from 5.2 to 15 m from the septic tanks. The University of Benin Water board served as the control station. Standard procedures for analysis of the determination of the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of the water samples were employed. Questionnaire analyses from the study revealed high dependence on groundwater from boreholes with low awareness of the effects of proximity of boreholes to septic tanks. Results showed that the physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits except for total suspended solids, turbidity, ammonium and biological oxygen demand (BOD) which were above recommended limits. Results also showed that the proximity of boreholes to septic tanks may suggest a high tendency for groundwater contamination. Total coliform count in all the stations, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in Isihor were above threshold levels. The presence of E. coli and E. faecalis in the borehole water samples and the levels of total coliform bacteria above threshold values indicate that the assessed borehole water sources close to septic tanks are not potable; thus, raising serious public health concerns.

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