EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF SEASON ON CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF GROUND WATER SUPPLIES IN UPPER EDDA

Abstract

Concentrations of trace metals and the microbial load in the spring water were determined at Ekoli Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area using standard methods. The study investigated the influence of season on the concentrations of Cr, Fe, Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cu and the microbial load in the spring water. The trace metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) while the Pour Plate Method was used to analyze the microbiological load. The results showed that the Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni were below detectable level and pose no threat of any kind. Also the results showed that Fe concentration ranged from 0.01 – 0.45, Zn 0.01 - 0.03, Mn 0.00 – 0.85 and Cu 0.21 – 0.78 mg/L. Apart from Location DS every other location was below the WHO drinking water standard. The results of the microbiological quality of the samples were unsatisfactory except Locations BS and DS that met the recommended standard for drinking water. The Total Viable Bacterial Count (TVC) on the spring water samples ranged from 0.00 - 9.0 × 102 cfu/ml. The Total Coliform count (TCC) for water samples ranged from 1.00 - 4.0 cfu/ml. The absence of any organisms in Locations BS and DS could be attributed to the locations of these water sources which are heavily protected from human and animal contact. The presence of coliform in most water samples is of great worry and may be an indicator of faecal contamination which is suggestive of the presence of pathogenic organisms. These pathogenic organisms might have gained access to the water through refuse dump sites and landfills. The water should be subjected to sufficient treatment before usage in order to take care of the pathogenic organisms. Keywords: Trace metals, microbial load, season, spring, faecal