Title: Effect of Pit Latrines on Groundwater in Selected Areas of Etche Local Government Area
Authors: Davidson D. Davis, Unyeawaji Brownson Ntesat, Erewari Ukoha-Onuoha and Peace Ufuoma Ebbah,
Volume: 8
Issue: 8
Pages: 32-38
Publication Date: 2024/08/28
Abstract:
This study aims to assess the effects of pollutants infiltration from pit latrines on groundwater contamination at Chokocho community. Water samples were collected from seven boreholes, designated as P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and P7, at 17.7, 21.8, 7.1, 16.7. 7.6, 18.6, and 14.4 m distances, respectively, from randomly selected borehole. Physical and biochemical analysis were applied to the samples using standard techniques and protocols. The mean pH value for all samples tested was found to be 6.3, which is within the limit (6.5 - 8.5) established by The Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and World Health Organization (WHO). The mean values of the other measured physico-chemical properties, namely total dissolved solids (TDS), sulphate, nitrate, and chloride, were all found in concentrations below the NSDWQ and WHO standards. There was variation in the concentration of all bacteriological loads within the samples. There was no trace of feacal coliform bacteria in most of the analyzed samples, except in P4 and P6. Sampled water analysis showed that P4 and P6 were contaminated with faecal counts of 0.1 MPN/100ml and 0.2 MPN/100ml, respectively. Total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) counts were found to be above the recommended limit (100 cfu/ml) in samples P2 (110 cfu/ml), P4 (160 cfu/ml), and P7 (240 cfu/ml). Results from water quality index, indicated that some of the borehole waters P1, P2, P3, P6, P7 (Grade B) were good for drinking and to some extend may not have been influenced by the proximity of the pit latrine intrusion, while P4 and P5 (Grade C) which was at a distance of 16.7 m and 7.6 m, respectively, were poor and may be declared unfit for consumption. Further studies are needed on the health risk of such unpalatable groundwater with respect to bacteriological contamination.