COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SULPHATE AND NITRATE IN SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND WATER, WITHIN MAKURDI TOWN

ABSTRACT Access to clean water is essential for public health, yet the quality of surface and underground water sources varies due to anthropogenic and natural factors. This study assessed the levels of sulphate and nitrate in surface water (River Benue) and underground water (selected wells) within Makurdi Town and compared the results with international (WHO) and national (NAFDAC) regulatory standards for drinking water. The results indicated that sulphate concentrations ranged from 15.26 mg/L to 461.23 mg/L. Wells in Wadata recorded the highest sulphate level (461.23 mg/L), exceeding both WHO and NAFDAC limits, while most other sites remained within permissible thresholds. Nitrate concentrations varied between 2.86 mg/L and 37.38 mg/L. Although all nitrate values were within the WHO’s allowable limit (50 mg/L), they exceeded the NAFDAC limit (10 mg/L) in River Benue, Wadata, and North Bank wells. These results point out the need for specific interventions and regular monitoring to safeguard public health, especially in areas with high levels of pollution.