Physicochemical Analysis of Well Water Utilized in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State

Abstract

The physicochemical parameters of water from five (5) different wards in Gusau metropolis of Zamfara state has been studied for the purpose of ascertaining the water quality inside the well. Five wellwells each from five different ward within Gusau metropholis (T/Wada ward, S/Gari ward, Mayana ward, Madawaki ward, Galadima ward) were sampled, the parameters sampled include Temperature, Turbidity, pH, Total dissolved solid (TDS), Total suspended solids (TSS), Color, Odor, Taste, Total hardness, Chloride content and Conductivity. The results obtained when compared with the WHO standards for drinking water showed that temperature, pH, TSS, TDS, total hardness and electrical conductivity are within the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO.The mean turbidity values for T/Wada, S/Gari, Mayana, and Madawaki (2.3± 1.0, 1.0±3.50, 4.50±0.08, 3.0±0.08 NTU respectively) are lower
than the WHO recommended value (5.00 NTU) while that of Galadima ward (15.7±0.077) is higher than WHO recommended value. Also the chloride content in the well of Madawaki ward (317±1.7) was found to be greater than the maximum 250mg/l concentration recommended by WHO. Therefore, not all the well investigated had parameters that conforms to the WHO 2006 recommended permissible limits for drinking water hence possible adverse effect due to consumption of the water containing high level of these parameters may occur among the inhabitants of this study area.