ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY INDEX FOR BOREHOLES WATER FROM ISOKO NORTH LGA, DELTA STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

The assessment of the water quality index of boreholes water in the Isoko-North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, was carried using standard laboratory test procedures (ASTM). Assessed water quality parameters (pH, Electrical Conductivity, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, Bicarbonate, Carbonate, Chloride, Sulphate, Phosphate, Nitrate, Fluoride, Calcium,
Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Iron and Total Coliform) were used to determine the water quality index values. The findings recorded indicated that the water quality index (WQI) at Ozoro1 were 34.90 (dry), and 35.3 (wet); Ozoro 2, 31.20 (dry), 43.90 (wet) and Ofagbe, 29.10 (dry), 41.90 (wet); were good and uninfluenced by season. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference
(p>0.05) in WQI values for both seasons. However, (WQI) values at Otibio, Erawah, Ovrode, and Otor-igho were largely influenced by season, hence decreasing the overall quality of water due to the influence of contaminants present in them. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in WQI values for both seasons. Also it was observed that, the quality of borehole water is
influenced by season, anthropogenic, and natural events within the study area. It is recommended that natural events such as floods should be properly managed to prevent groundwater pollution, while water from these boreholes should be subjected to primary water treatment processes before use