Investigation of the Potability of Borehole Water in Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria

Abstract

Water is a vital resource that must be easily accessible, safe, and clean. There are growing concerns about the safety of borehole water for public use in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in academic settings. This study investigated the potability of tap water samples A, B, and D obtained from dormitory sources, and borehole water samples C, E, and F from their sources at Bells University of Technology (BellsTech), Nigeria. Physical (pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity), chemical (dissolved oxygen [DO], total dissolved solids [TDS], chemical oxygen demand [COD], biochemical oxygen demand [BOD]) and microbiological (fecal coliforms and E. coli) characteristics, as well as the presence of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and arsenic), were evaluated. The findings showed that all physical parameters were within the World Health Organization (WHO) permitted limits. The pH levels of all water samples fell below the permissible range of 6.5 to 8.5, indicating acidic conditions. Fecal coliforms (80 cfu/mL) and E. coli (31 cfu/mL) were found in tap sample B, indicating fecal contamination that poses a direct risk to human health. Public health concerns were raised when arsenic was detected in borehole sample E at a concentration of 0.008 ppm, approaching the WHO permissible threshold of 0.01 ppm. This study underscores the importance of regular monitoring and treatment of the university's borehole and tap water. It is recommended that filtration, disinfection systems, stricter environmental waste management around water sources, and increased awareness among students and staff about water safety practices be adopted.