CONCENTRATION OF SELECTED PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN DRINKING WATER FROM URBAN AREAS OF THE ODOLU AND AVRUGO AREAS OF KOGI STATE

This study assessed the concentration of selected physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in drinking water sources from fifteen locations across the urban areas of Odolu and Avrugo in Kogi State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected during different seasons and analyzed following standard procedures of the American Public Health Association (APHA) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) for heavy metal determination. Parameters measured included pH, colour, total suspended solids (TSS), electrical conductivity, odour, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrates, phosphates, sulphates, chlorides, surfactants, fluoride, ammonia, and selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu, As, Ni, Hg, and Se). Results revealed that pH values (6.4–7.0), colour, TSS, nitrates, chlorides, and most heavy metals were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). However, sulphate concentrations (26–44 mg/L) exceeded the 25 mg/L guideline across all sites, while electrical conductivity surpassed the 800 μS/cm limit at Akpanya. Fluoride slightly exceeded safe limits in Atasibiti and Akolo (1.1 mg/L), and BOD values (2.0–4.2 mg/L) were above the recommended threshold in most locations, indicating organic pollution. Dissolved oxygen levels were generally low (2.3–5.0 mg/L), suggesting oxygen depletion from microbial activity. Importantly, toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and chromium were largely undetectable or within safe limits, indicating minimal industrial or hydrocarbon-related contamination in the study areas. The study concludes that while drinking water in Odolu and Avrugo is generally safe for domestic use, localized risks persist due to elevated sulphates, fluoride, conductivity, and organic matter contamination. It recommends seasonal monitoring, improved borehole and well protection, community sensitization on safe fertilizer use and waste management, and adoption of treatment methods such as reverse osmosis and ion exchange to address specific contaminants. These findings provide vital baseline data for public health interventions and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.