The physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of borehole water samples in Ogun state college of health technology, Ilese-Ijebu

In Ijebu-ode, borehole water is the most reliable and readily available source of water to the various households. Though, borehole water (groundwater) quality can be satisfactorily well but a poor siting and management of a borehole can pose potential risks to consumers. For instance, lack of observing maximum distances from source of contamination, poor sanitation and waste management will eventually directly or indirectly contaminate the water and the consumers’ health is being jeopardised. The study was carried out to determine the physico–chemical and microbiological parameters of six (6) borehole water samples in Ogun State College of Health Technology campus, the sanitary status of these boreholes and any potential health hazard that consumption of the water can pose. The water samples from the boreholes were analysed for: pH, Colour, Turbidity, Total Dissolve Solid, Hardness, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Sulphate (SO42), Lead (Pb), Chloride, (cl-) Nitrate NO3- and E-coli, Salmonella and Total viable count for microbiological parameters. Sanitary survey form was also used to determine the potential risks associated with the contamination of the boreholes. The data collected were summarized with descriptive statistics. The results showed that turbidity (13NTU), Iron (1.6mg/l), Manganese (3.03mg/l), hardness (245.5mg/l) and Zinc (23.8mg/l) exceeded the WHO standard but Nitrate and lead values were within WHO standard while E-coli and salmonella were not detected and the risk scores were between low and intermediate. The study concluded that the borehole water is fit for consumption except the parameters identified above that can make the consumer reject the water based on the palatability and aesthetic. Therefore, there is need for continuous monitoring of the borehole water in order to maintain and sustain the qualities of the borehole water sources.