| Popis: |
The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the quality of groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) used for domestic purposes in rural areas near crude oil exploration sites in order to determine which source is more susceptible to pollution. Surface water samples were obtained from three (3) distinct locations in the study area, from upstream and downstream of the watercourses, for physicochemical, bacteriological, and heavy metal analysis using conventional laboratory procedures. Similarly, groundwater samples were taken from three (3) separate boreholes in the region for the same analysis, as per American Standard for Testing Materials (ASTM) and American Public Health Association (APHA) procedures. The relative significance of fourteen (14) water quality indicators in defining the quality of water for human consumption was evaluated in this study. The pH of the two water sources was somewhat acidic, with values ranging from 5.19 to 6.24, according to the results of the laboratory analysis. Water quality indicators such as Fe, Pb, TDS, TPC, DO, BOD, F coli, and E coli, on the other hand, were found to be above the permissible tolerance in drinking water, according to the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Pollutant concentrations in surface water were higher than in groundwater, which may be attributable to the presence of humans or animal excrements (from open grazing) as well as offshore activities. |
