Physicochemical Analysis of Hand-Dug Well and Borehole Water in Obi Local Government Area.

Abstract

This study investigates the physicochemical quality of water from selected hand-dug wells and boreholes in Obi Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Forty-four water samples were analyzed for parameters such as pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), nitrate, acidity, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Results showed that TDS values ranged from 35.67 to 2313 mg/L, with several samples exceeding the WHO and SON permissible limit of 500 mg/L, indicating high mineralization and potential palatability issues. Total hardness ranged from 0.5 to 91 mg/L, classifying the water as soft, which while non-harmful, may contribute to corrosion. Nitrate concentrations were between 2.46 and 24.26 mg/L, within safe limits (≤50 mg/L), but suggest surface runoff influence. Acidity levels reached up to 82.33 mg/L, significantly exceeding the acceptable range of 4.5–8.0 mg/L, with implications for corrosion and potential pollution. Additionally, dissolved oxygen ranged from 2.03 to 6.23 mg/L, with lower values in some areas potentially impacting water chemistry. These findings stress the need for improved water treatment and periodic monitoring to safeguard public health.