Assessment of Water Quality for Both Surface and Groundwater in Ewhereh and Ohrerhe Towns, in Agbarho, Delta State

Abstract

Evaluating the quality of surface and groundwater in Ewhereh and Ohrerhe Towns, Agbarho, Delta State, to determine their safety and suitability for drinking and other uses. A total of 15 water samples were collected from both towns, including groundwater from boreholes and surface water from hand-dug wells. The physio-chemical and heavy metal parameters of the water samples were analyzed. Parameters assessed included pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), salinity, color (Pt-Co), turbidity, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), bicarbonate (HCO₃), phosphorus (P), ammonium (NH₄-N), nitrite (NO₂), nitrate (NO₃), calcium, potassium, sodium, carbonate, chloride, sulphate, magnesium, and heavy metals (manganese, iron, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and chromium). The pH of the water samples ranged from 5.0 to 6.2, with a mean value of 5.573, indicating slightly acidic conditions. This acidity may result from natural factors such as dissolved carbon dioxide or anthropogenic influences like industrial discharge, which can affect the solubility and bioavailability of nutrients. Elevated EC, TDS, salinity, and COD levels were observed in samples from BH 6, BH 8, and BH 12, suggesting localized contamination sources. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were as follows: iron (0.668 mg/L), manganese (0.216 mg/L), zinc (0.508 mg/L), copper (0.094 mg/L), chromium (0.034 mg/L), cadmium (0.006 mg/L) and Lead (0.013 mg/L). High levels of iron, manganese, cadmium and zinc, particularly in BH 2 EKP AGB, point to potential localized contamination sources. The elevated concentrations of iron, manganese, cadmium and zinc in multiple locations may stem from natural mineral content or industrial activities in the area. The water quality results highlight increased levels of Iron, Manganese, chromium, cadmium and lead, which could pose health and aesthetic concerns. Strong correlations between the concentrations of these metals suggest they may originate from common sources or shared geochemical processes in the study area. Regular monitoring of heavy metal concentrations is recommended to protect soil nutrients and prevent degradation, ensuring favourable conditions for crop growth. Additionally, health risk assessments are advised for areas with elevated cadmium, lead, and chromium levels to evaluate potential impacts on local communities and develop effective mitigation strategies.