Seasonal quality variation and environmental risks associated with the consumption of surface water: implication from the Landzun Stream, Bida Nigeria

Abstract

Water constitutes a major environmental and public health concerns worldwide. A large proportion of global water consumption is sourced from surface water. The dependency level on surface water is higher in developing countries, especially in rural-to-semi-urban areas, where subsurface water is not accessible. Presented in this paper is a spatiotemporal and hydrochemical quality assessment of the spring-originated Landzun Stream in Bida, Nigeria; which is usually consumed in its untreated state. Water samples were systematically collected in eighteen locations along the stream channel in both rainy and dry seasons at an equidistance interval of 500m. On-site and laboratory measurement of important physical and hydrochemical parameters were carried out using standard procedures. Water temperature in the rainy season (34–37 °C) slightly exceeds measured values in the dry season (29–33 °C). 72.22% (rainy) and 83.33% (dry) of collected samples did not meet the odourless requirement for drinking water. Similarly, estimated percentages of 66.67 and 94.44 of collected samples in rainy and dry seasons respectively have a taste. Contrary to data in the rainy season, 89%, 11%, 67% and 56% of the dry season's samples were enriched in magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), potassium (K) and iron (Fe) respectively above the 2018 World Health Organisation guidelines for drinking water. This study further established that seasonal variation plays a major role in altering the aesthetic surface water quality. The intake of untreated surface water is a vehicle for potential water-borne diseases and allergies, hence alternative sources of drinking water for the populace dependent on the Landzun Stream is recommended to reduce risks and possible dangers of consuming the stream water.

Impacts of Land-Use Change, Associated Land-Use Area and Runoff on Watershed Sediment Yield: Implications from the Kaduna Watershed

“…Although sediment yield modelling has gained wider attention in Earth and environmental sciences research, the scarcity of reliable data, difficulty in erosion measurement due to the largeness of watersheds, inadequate human and capital resources, land use types, and reservoir sedimentation are still common problems associated with watershed management in many developing nations [10,[12][13][14][15][16]. The application of mathematically based geospatial techniques, which generally require lesser resources and saves time, without compromising accuracy can offer lasting and adequate solutions to some of these challenges, especially when verified by ground truthing [17,18].…”

Seasonal variation of enteric bacteria population in surface water sources among rural communities of Ijebu North, Ogun State, Nigeria

“…While the level of dependency on surface water in these communities remains exceedingly high, These sources are nonetheless prone to contamination at point and non-point sources caused by infiltration, leaching, surface runoff through pastures, improper sewage systems, and uncontrolled effluent discharge (Malik et al, 2012;Akinnibosun and Ayejuyoni, 2015;Daramola et al, 2019). Poor water quality is considerably accountable for disease outbreaks in these communities (Malik et al, 2012).…”

“…Generally, the assessment of bacteria and broader microbial activity in water used by rural communities have been carried out by various researchers in Nigeria (Ayandiran et al, 2018;Fakayode and Ogunjobi, 2018;Daramola et al, 2019;Bebeteidoh et al, 2020;Jagaba et al, 2020;Owamah, 2020). This study was carried out to critically assess the bacteria population present in surface water in the rural communities studied and the significance of seasonal variation on the microbial status of the surface water.…”

Effects of abattoir activities on the water quality of Oko-Oba river in Agege, Lagos, Nigeria: a seasonal variation assessment

“…Putrefaction of organic waste like blood, animal fat, faeces and waste meat produce hydrogen sulphide. Hydrogen sulphides are known to have offensive smell (Daramola et al, 2019). Offensive odours were observed by Ezeoha and Ugwuishwu, (2011), Akanni et al, (2019) in their studies of rivers by/ around Abattoirs in Nigeria.…”

“…Colour variation in water is an indicator of impurity. Dark colours are due to anthropogenic activities (Daramola et al, 2019) which in this case major activity was abattoir activities beside the river which produces both liquid and solid waste usually deposited directly and indirectly as runoff into the river.…”