Comparative Assessment of Ground and Surface Water Sources from Awo Mmama Community, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the water quality of some selected boreholes and river, in Awo Mmama Local Government Area of Imo State with respect to microbial and physicochemical parameters. Water samples were collected and analyzed using microbiological protocols. Results were compared to World Health Organization standards. The physicochemical parameters from Ground and Surface Water Sources within the river showed low turbidity level corresponding with WHO/EPA-Nigeria recommended guideline value of 0-50NTU. Nitrate concentration was also low in the river. Faecal coliforms, E. coli and Salmonella were also recorded at some points were higher above the recommended level for drinking water by WHO. The study underscores the need for periodic monitoring of the boreholes and River Njaba water to forestall outbreak of water borne diseases in the area.