Spatial Variation of Physico-chemical and Microbial Parameters in Groundwater of Selected LGAs of Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria

Physico-chemical and microbial parameters of groundwater are useful indicators in monitoring the progress of Goal 6.3 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study evaluated the spatial variation of physico-chemical and microbial parameters in groundwater of selected LGAs of Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria in line with SDGs. A total of twenty (20) groundwater samples were collected from boreholes at different locations within Uyo, Itu, Ibiono Ibom and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas of Akwa-Ibom State. The boreholes were selected at random. Sterilized and pre-labelled water sampling bottles were used in collecting representative water samples to prevent contamination. Physico-chemical parameters sensitive to environmental changes such as temperature, pH and electrical conductivity were measured in-situ. Sampling and analysis followed guidelines specified by the American Public Health Association, (2012). Chemical analysis was carried out at the Geospectra Laboratory in Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria. Results showed that the groundwater condition ranged from acidic and slightly weakly acidic in Uyo and Ibiono Ibom but slightly alkaline in Itu. All the heavy metals analysed were within the permissible limits specified by WHO (2018) and NSDWQ (2015) in drinking water. The average values of total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), faecal coliform and total coliform in Uyo, Itu, Ibiono and Ibesikpo were 57.4 mg/L, 40.1 mg/L, 97.0 mg/L, 1032 and 1542.3 MPN/100ml, 54.3 mg/L, 51.6 mg/L, 110 and 47, 20.5 mg/L, 35.7 mg/L, 78.5 mg/L, 28.8 and 82.5 MPN/100ml, and 184 mg/L, 42.8 mg/L, 94.3 mg/L, 130 and 280 MPN/100ml respectively. The values of pH, BOD, COD, faecal and total coliforms were found to be above the permissible limits. Faecal and total coliforms, which indicate recent contamination, are high in Uyo and could be attributed to urbanisation with its consequent sewage management issues and increased animal droppings. There is a need for proper sewage management within the city.