Groundwater Contamination in Hand-Dug Wells and Its Implication on Human Skin

Pathogenic microorganisms have been increasingly identified in untreated groundwater sources and are associated with skin infections ranging from mild rashes to invasive soft tissue infections. This study, investigates the physical, chemical and microbial quality of water sourced from hand-dug wells at Isolu, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Five wells were sampled and water parameters were analyzed. Result revealed that, the pH values were acidic and is given as (5.72–6.05), temperatures was moderate with a value of (27°C), Total Dissolved Solids ranged from (TDS 338–562 mg/L), and Electrical Conductivity (180–290 µS/cm), all of which create favorable conditions for microbial survival and proliferation. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) values ranged from (0.15–2.6 mg/L), and exceeded WHO, 2022 guideline for drinking water, while Dissolved Oxygen (DO) ranged from (2.55–3.75) mg/L, suggesting organic pollution in the water samples. The value of Total hardness obtained was (114–222 mg/L) and calcium concentrations (50–148 mg/L) which exceeded the recommended thresholds. The microbial result showed that Escherichia coli was absent, but total bacterial count and total coliform counts exceeded WHO permissible limits, indicating serious groundwater contamination. Also, One Hundred well-structured questionnaire was also administered, and result revealed that, 95% had experienced at least one water-related illness within the past six months, with rashes (40%) and itching (30%) being the most prevalent skin conditions. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis confirmed a strong positive relationship of (ρ = 0.949, p = 0.014) between bacterial load and the frequency of reported skin infections. Thus there is a link between the deteriorating conditions of the groundwater quality of hand-dug well around the community which poses dermatological health issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improved well protection and hygiene in the study area, in order to prevent infection that occurs as a result of using contaminated water.