INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMETAL CONDITON ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY (CASE STUDY; GWALLAMEJI BAUCHI STATE)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The project aimed at investigating the Impact of Environmental Condition on the Quality of Groundwater (Case Study of Gwallameji Bauchi State). Groundwater is a vital resource for communities, yet its quality is increasingly compromised by pollution from domestic and industrial activities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of environmental condition on the quality of groundwater in Gwallameji, Bauchi State. A descriptive and analytical quantitative research approach was adopted to fulfill the objectives: to determine the geographical location of pollutant sources, assess the groundwater's physical, chemical, and biological properties, and recommend mitigation strategies. Water samples were collected from five randomly selected hand-dug wells and analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. All results were evaluated against the Nigeria Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) guidelines. The findings revealed that all five sampled wells had a horizontal distance to their nearest contaminant sources (pit latrines, dumping sites, or soakaways) of between 5.2m and 14m, which is below the NSDWQ recommended sanitary limit of 15m. The laboratory analysis showed that while key chemical parameters like pH, Nitrite, and Chlorine were within permissible limits, significant contamination was detected in other areas. Specifically, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) exceeded the 500 mg/l NSDWQ limit in four out of the five samples. Critically, Faecal Coliforms were detected in one sample, which exceeded the NSDWQ zero-tolerance limit for safe drinking water. The study concluded that 20% of the sampled groundwater was not suitable for drinking due to this contamination, posing a public health risk. The research recommended regular monitoring of groundwater quality and emphasized the immediate need for protective measures, such as raising the height of well walls to 1m above ground and ensuring proper well covering to prevent further contamination.
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