Evaluation of the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water sources in rural communities of Cross River State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Rural communities in Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African countries often depend on untreated water sources which are frequently contaminated by industrial effluents and various organic and inorganic pollutants, rendering the water unsafe for consumption. This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water sources in rural communities of southern Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design with 240 respondents selected via multi-stage sampling. Data were collected electronically using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire, along with an observational checklist and sample bottles. These were analysed using SPSS Version 23.
Results: Physicochemical analyses showed mean conductivity (118.45 µS/cm), total dissolved solids (TDS) (41.24 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (DO) (25.66 mg/L), and total suspended solids (TSS) (3.69 mg/L) were within WHO and NSDWQ permissible limits; several parameters exceeded standard thresholds. These include turbidity (13.83 FTU), salinity (39.43 PPT), colour (23.12 TCU), iron concentration (4.94 mg/L), and pH (23.22)- indicating potential health hazards and possible measurement error in pH values. Mean temperature was 5.61°C while bacteriological assessment revealed contamination with total coliform and faecal coliform counts exceeding the WHO and NSDWQ standard of 0 CFU/100ml in all tested sources. Among respondents, 117(48.8%) used sachet or bottled water, while 191(79.6%) had access to multiple water sources. Of these, 172(90.1%) cited rainwater as an alternative source.
Conclusion: There are significant quality and safety issues due to bacterial contamination, posing major public health concerns. This study recommends urgent interventions, including water treatment, monitoring and robust source protection to ensure safe drinking water access in these rural communities.
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