A STUDY TO DETERMINE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF DRINKING WATER IN STUDENT HOSTEL AT SAADU ZUNGUR UNIVERSITY

Water quality assessment is crucial in ensuring the safety of drinking water human health. This study was carried out to determine the physicochemical parameter of drinking water in the students hostel at Saadu Zungur University, Bauchi, Nigeria. The parameters analyzed included pH, temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, total hardness, nitrate, and phosphate. Standard analytical methods as described by American Public Health Association(APHA, 2017) were employed in the determination of the parameters. the result obtained revealed that the pH values were within the WHO recommended range of 6.5-8.5, indicating suitable acidity and alkalinity levels. The water temperature was slightly elevated compared to the desirable standard, likely due to environmental influence, though not directly harmful to consumers. Salinity electrical conductivity were both permissible limits, reflecting low levels of dissolved salts. Total hardness values were below the maximum allowable limit of 250mg/L classifying the water as soft to moderately hard. Nitrate concentrations were below the WHO limit of 50mg/L, indicating no significant health risks such as methemoglobinemia, while phosphate concentrations were within safe levels though continuous monitoring is recommended to prevent environmental eutrophication.