INVESTIGATING THE QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER IN EZINIHITE MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Using the water quality index (WQI) technique, this study endeavor aimed to assess the quality of selected groundwater samples from the Ezinihite Mbaise LGA of Imo State. In order to determine their physiochemical characteristics, fifteen (15) hand dug wells water samples have been analysed. In establishing a water quality index, account shall be taken of the factors listed below: pH, hardness, total liquid solids, calcium, fluoride, iron, potassium, sulphate, nitrates and carbonates. Physical and chemical contamination was clearly demonstrated by the high levels of nitrite and pH that were found. Water samples with low pH values of 2.48 to 6.49, below the WHO-recommended range of 6.5 to 8.5, were found. Similarly, significant nitrite concentrations between 3.08 mg/L and 5.70 mg/L were found, above the 3.0 mg/L WHO tolerable limits once again. Inorganic fertilizer awareness and sensitization campaigns, public health education by community-based health workers, and enhanced and/or continued combined environmental measures are anticipated to have a positive impact on groundwater integrity. In order to provide everyone in the area with safe drinking water, the researchers advise that the government build more water filtration plants. They also advise that sewer drains be placed away from water supply drains to prevent waste water from leaching into the ground water and that regular ground water quality monitoring be implemented everywhere.