Physicochemical, bacteriological and water quality index assessment of hand dug well (HDW) water suitability for drinking

Underground water were abstracted from HDWs to determine their suitability for drinking. Physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters were carried out following standard guidelines. Total coliform count was done using the membrane filtration method. Heavy metal was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS BULK SCIENTIFIC MODEL 210 VGP). Samples were subjected to statistical and multivariate analysis. Results of physicochemical parameters show that they were all within the WHO standard for drinking. Cation concentrations follow the order: Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, while anions are: HCO3- > SO42-> Cl-> NO3- > PO42-. As, Cd and Pb were not detected in the sampled water, but other heavy metals Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were detected. They were, however, within the WHO's recommended range. Based on E. coli analysed, all of the water samples were free from faecal contamination since none was discovered in the water samples. Based on the water quality index, only sample G hand-dug well is of poor quality (though it could be treated) for human consumption; all other samples are good for human consumption. Deductions from Pipers' and the Durov diagram, as well as principal component analysis, revealed that there was little geological and human activity within the hand-dug wells. Based on the physicochemical, microbiological, heavy metal and water quality indexes, this study indicates that all of the water samples examined are free of pollution, but that continual monitoring of the hand-dug wells should be prioritised.