Authors : Nlemolisa, O.R.; Ogbulie, J.N.; Orji, J.C.; Nweke, C.O.

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5ftfcsn2

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4e8u5kme

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14987758

Abstract : The excessive dependence on landfill methods for waste disposal is a prevalent practice in Nigeria. Physicochemical and microbial investigations of groundwater sources near waste dumpsites and a mechanic workshop in Port Harcourt were performed to evaluate the quality of groundwater for drinking and other domestic uses. Ten (10) samples were collected in total. The acquired values for each parameter were contrasted with the suggested thresholds established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). The results indicated a low pH across all sites, ranging from 4.01 to 5.97 and 3.45 to 4.66 during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The pH fell short of the acceptable standards set by WHO and NSDWQ. The observed temperature during the dry season was 29.9°C-30°C, above the recommended standard, however in the rainy season, it ranged from 26.1°C-26.8°C, falling below the recommended standard of 27°C-28°C. COD, BOD, and DO exceeded the acceptable standards at all locations. The water quality index varied from 321.34 to 605.7 during the dry season and from 154.0 to 713.5, indicating that the groundwater is unsuitable for consumption. Cadmium, chromium, and iron concentrations varied from 0.027 ppm to 0.089 ppm and 0.017 ppm to 0.045 ppm, 0.088 ppm to 0.205 ppm and 0.018 ppm to 0.054 ppm, 0.491 ppm to 0.722 ppm, and 0.00 to 0.116 ppm, respectively, exceeding the required criteria. The bacterial analysis indicates that the total heterotrophic count peaked at PHD1, with 4.25 x 10-1 CFU/100 ml, but no growth was observed at sites PHC and PHD1 during the dry season. The elevated values have unequivocally demonstrated concerning, unacceptable, and inappropriate physicochemical properties and microbiological contamination from the dumpsite into the groundwater, thereby rendering it unsuitable for drinking and other domestic use in its current state.

Keywords : Groundwater. Heavy Metals. Water Quality Index. Contamination.

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