Assessment of Physico-chemical Parameters and Water Quality in Communities in Abia State, Nigeria

Background: Worldwide, there has been increased contamination of water bodies, affecting their quality and making them unsafe for human use. This study aims to assess the physico-chemical parameters and water quality in communities in Abia State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in communities in Umuahia South, Arochukwu, and Bende Local Government Areas in Abia State. The communities were selected through random sampling of balloting. A cross-sectional analytical study design was used for this study. One (1) liter plastic bottle was used to collect water samples from the borehole/tap, spring, and stream in the communities. Water samples collected in sterile (1) liter plastic bottles were stored in iced-lined coolers and then transported to the laboratory for analysis. Laboratory data was entered into, and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.

Results: This study revealed that the pH of the boreholes/ tap water in Arochukwu and Umuahia LGAs in dry and rainy seasons was below the WHO standard. In Bende LGA, the pH was within the WHO standard during the dry season whereas in the rainy season, it was below the WHO standard of 7.0 - 8.9mg/l. There was a statistically significant difference between the pH of borehole water during the dry and rainy seasons (p=0.004). A statistically significant difference was observed between zinc in the borehole water during the dry and rainy seasons (p=0.002). Also, Cadmium in the borehole water had a statistically significant difference during the dry and rainy seasons (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Generally, the study highlights the poor water quality in different locations and seasons, with several parameters falling below WHO acceptable standards. Community leaders should collaborate with the government to provide safe and quality drinking water.