Quality Assessment of Ground and Surface Water Resources in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State

Water quality is a major concern in many developing regions, where access to safe drinking water is often limited. This study evaluates the physicochemical, bacteriological, and heavy metal characteristics of surface and groundwater resources in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of seven (7) water samples were collected in April 2018 and analyzed for key water quality parameters, including pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, iron, manganese, lead, chromium, and microbial contamination. The results revealed that pH ranged from 5.10 to 6.63, indicating slightly acidic conditions, particularly in surface water (SW1: 5.10), which falls below the NSDWQ limit of 6.5 – 8.5. Turbidity levels exceeded the recommended 5.0 NTU limit in surface water (SW3: 18.5 NTU, SW2: 13.7 NTU), while hardness was significantly high in groundwater (GW3: 256.3 mg/L, GW1: 222.3 mg/L). Heavy metal analysis showed that iron (SW2: 0.81 mg/L), manganese (SW2: 0.36 mg/L), and chromium (GW2: 0.05 mg/L) exceeded WHO permissible limits, posing potential health risks. Total coliform (TCC) and fecal coliform (FCC) counts were too numerous to count (TNTC) in surface water, indicating severe bacterial contamination. The findings suggest that groundwater is preferable but requires treatment for metal contamination, while surface water is unsuitable for direct consumption. Recommended interventions include pH correction, heavy metal filtration, and disinfection to improve water safety in the region.