Evaluating the Constituents Concentration of Contaminants in Hand-dug Wells in Onne Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on evaluating the constituents concentration of contaminants in hand-dug wells in Onne
southeastern Nigeria evaluate the constituents’ concentration of contaminants in hand-dug wells in Onne
southeastern Nigeria and ascertain its seasonal variations (Dry and Wet). The study adopted standard
method to determine the concentration of associated water quality parameters analyzed in accordance with
standard methods of (APHA 1998) including pH, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solid, Turbidity,
Total Chloride, Total Alkalinity, Total hardness, Nitrate, Sulphate, Phophate, Bicarbonate, Calcium,
Soldium, Potassium, Total cyanide, Copper, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Nickel, Arsenic, Betex,
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon, oil and Grease, Vanadium, Zinc, Selenium, Total iron and Magnesium. From
the results obtained, the concentration of Na, Mg, Ca and Zn were lower than the limit set by regulatory
body for drinking water in all the seasons. The concentration of Cl, Cu, Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Ni, V, and Se during
the dry season were not in conformity with the 2006 established standard limit for safe drinking water. For
the wet season, it was revealed that the pH of Cl, Cu, Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Ni, and Se were also not in conformity
with regulatory standards. Additionally, from the values of 0.768 and 0.770 obtained for the Pollution Index
for Onne hand dug well covering dry and wet seasons, this study recommended further treatment of the
water for human consumption.