Physicochemical, Spectroscopic and Bacteriological Analyses of Surface and Ground Water in Epenti-Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State- Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

A total of seven water samples, four ground and three surfaces were collected from Epenti-Ekori in Yakurr local government area for analysis.  Metals (Fe, K, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Co) and nutrients (sulfate, chloride, nitrate, fluoride, and phosphate) were determined using the UV-VIS spectrophotometric method of analysis while bacteriological parameters were determined using the membrane filtration technique. The mean of the results of the physicochemical parameters of the waters was the temperature (28.33 ^oC), pH (6.05), TDS (248.98 mg/L), total hardness (119.70 mg/L), electrical conductivity (474.97 mg/L), and turbidity (5.57 NTU). The mean of the nutrient parameters were chloride (22.91 mg/L), fluoride (0.03 mg/L), nitrate (5.50 mg/L), sulphate (2.00 mg/L) and phosphate (0.54 mg/L). The mean of the metals were manganese (0.18 mg/L), iron (0.52 mg/L), zinc (0.12 mg/L), copper (0.09 mg/L), lead (0.03 mg/L), chromium (0.04 mg/L), potassium (2.31 mg/L), nickel (0.09 mg/L) and cobalt (0.07 mg/L). The overall mean concentrations of Fe (0.52 mg/L), Pb (0.03 mg/L), and K (2.31 mg/L) were particularly high as compared to World Health Organization and Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality. In addition, the TCC values were too high indicating a poorly sanitized environment. Pearson’s correlations matrix showed positive correlations between most of the parameters. One-way ANOVA revealed that the water samples were significant of similar quality.