Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater Samples around Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan Students' Residential Areas

Groundwater is a major source of water for students at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan students’ residential areas. This study investigated the physicochemical profile of groundwater samples of the study area by standard analytical procedure. A total of ten water samples from five sampling points within the study area were collected. Elevation and coordinates of the locations were taken using a global positioning system. Results of the physical parameters showed: pH (7.08 -7.29), Temperature (25.00 - 45.90), Total dissolved solid (82.00 - 484.50) mg/L, Electrical conductivity (154.50 - 949.00) μ/cm, Turbidity (12.81 - 82.65) NTU, Total alkalinity (2.91- 38.16) mg/L and Total hardness (2.20 - 202.85) mg/L; values were lower than WHO safe limit except for turbidity. Results of the chemical parameters showed (mg/L): cations - Ca2+ (0.71 -190.96), K+(1.52 - 10.01), Mg2+(1.49 - 15.87) and Na+ (7.37 - 88.30); anions -PO-4 (BDL - 1.77), SO2-4 (1.34 - 32.95), NO-3 (30.36 - 722.07), NO-2 (12.72 - 354.05), Cl- (16.08 - 127.79) and F- (0.14 - 0.88); metal - Fe (BDL - 9.85), Cu (0.35 - 6.40), Zn (2.50 - 6.10) and Mn (0.38 - 2.95); values obtained were within the safe limits set by WHO except for NO3- and NO2-. High nitrate and nitrite levels indicate sewage pollution. Thus, the groundwater samples may not be safe for consumption and domestic use unless it is treated. Mean contents of the heavy metals (except Cu) are above the WHO limits. This may suggest that the environment is not free of heavy metal contamination and hence there could be a risk associated with the ingestion of the metals. The potential health risk due to heavy metal contamination in the groundwater samples should be evaluated in order to reveal health implications of the water when ingested. However, this study could serve as a baseline for further research in the future.