Analysis of Groundwater Quality and Health Implications: A Case Study of Bisichi and Surrounding Locations, North Central Nigeria

This study investigated the groundwater quality in selected communities within north-central Nigeria encompassing Bisichi, Dunduma, Zira, Rassa, Rahai and Korot where residents depend primarily on shallow hand dug wells for domestic water supply; with the aim of identifying any contaminants that may pose any risks to human health. Twenty (20) water samples were collected from ten (10) locations during the dry season and analyzed for chemical and biological parameters. Microbial quality was determined using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method at 370C and at 440C to determine the total coliform count and fecal coliform present while chemical analysis was achieved using the standard operating procedures of Genius-IF Xenemetrix instrument. Results of the microbial analysis revealed the MPN at 370C ranged from 0-12 coliforms/100ml of water. About 90% of the samples (JAR 1, JAR 2, JAR 4, JAR 5, JAR 6, JAR 7, JAR 8, JAR 9 and JAR 10) revealed low to moderate levels of bacterial contamination which renders same sources of water unfit for consumption whereas, only 10% of the samples (JAR 3) disclosed zero (0) coliform count and considered fit for consumption according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. In addition, the MPN at 440C of fecal coliform at locations JAR 1 and JAR 4 disclosed possible contamination from sewage. The heavy metal analysis revealed elevated concentrations of elements such as aluminum (Al), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in several samples, with the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) exceeding the critical threshold (>100) in 80% of the sampled locations, indicating significant contamination. While 20% of the sampled locations (JAR 5 and JAR 10) have HPI values below 100 signifying low contamination. The Pearson’s correlation matrix and principal component analyses of the chemical parameters revealed contamination is greatly influenced by anthropogenic activities and geogenic influence to a lesser extent. The study concluded that while some groundwater sources may be suitable for consumption after treatment such as boiling, chlorination, filtration and /or ultraviolet disinfection, others may pose potential health risks like diarrhea, nausea, hepatitis, stomach cramps, cancers, organ failure and infections especially in vulnerable individuals. Public awareness on the urgent need to safeguard water quality, sanitation practices and treatment measures as well as regular monitoring are recommended.