EFFECT OF SOAKAWAY ON GROUNDWATER
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of on-site sanitation systems specifically soakaway pits and septic tank on groundwater quality within the Male Hostel, Female Hostel, Quarters and Administrative Block of Federal Polytechnic Damaturu. The research aimed to determine the extent of physicochemical and bacteriological contamination and evaluate the relationship between the proximity of sanitation structure and groundwater pollution. Purposive sampling and laboratory analysis of four groundwater samples. Standard analytical procedure (APHA, WHO) were used to determine pH, nitrate, phosphate, total dissolved solid (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) electrical conductivity and Escherichia coli count. Results showed that most physicochemical parameters were within WHO permissible limit, with pH ranging from 6.3-7.0, nitrate from 0.02-0.6mg/l, phosphate from 0.01-0.04mg/l and TDS from 45.0-65.5ppm. However, moderate BOD levels (2.8-4.0mg/l) and detectable E. coli count (1-3cfu/100ml) in some samples indicate early sings of microbial contamination. Finding suggest that groundwater near poorly sited or inadequately maintained sanitation systems is vulnerable to infiltration by wastewater, especially in areas with sandy soils and shallow water table.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.