Assessment of Ground Water as Source of Drinking Water in an Agricultural Tropical Environment

Abstract

The study conducted in dry and rainy seasons in 2019 assessed the levels of metals in ground water sampled from boreholes and dug wells in Ikwo, south-eastern Nigeria. Nine water samples were analysed for calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and aluminium using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Analysis showed higher metal concentrations in rainy season, except for manganese whose concentration was higher in the dry season. The levels of the metals exceeded permissible limits in both seasons except for calcium. The metal indices were not greater than 2 while all degrees of contamination were less than 1. This collaborative classification of both metal index and degrees of contamination suggest that water samples were safe for human consumption. The health risk evaluated by hazard indices (HI) were categorized into low and medium (≥ 0.1 to < 4) levels of chronic risks. The HI values, evaluated for both children and adults; were predominantly medium for children and low for adults. All indices for water quality evaluation revealed that ground water in the study area is of minimal contamination hence, no immediate threat to health. Therefore, to ensure quality water supply, sustainable monitoring of water quality is recommended in the study area, with continuous environmentally friendly agricultural practices.