EFFECTS OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL ON THE QUALITY OF SHALLOW GROUNDWATER IN SONG TOWN, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Over the years, there were reports of cases of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid in Song town and these are increasing at alarming rates. This research is aimed at investigating the impact of the sewage disposal methods on available water supplies in the town. Questionnaires were administered and observational study was conducted at random on 150 houses to generate information about shallow wells and toilet facilities in the study area. Water samples were taken from 19 different locations across the study area for physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses; in order to assess the groundwater quality. From the results obtained, it was observed that 55% of the resident’s wells are located at a distance less than 9m from the toilets. The physico-chemical analysis results indicate the presence of certain sewage sensitive parameters such as chloride (Cl-), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Nitrates (N03-), in mild quantities. The results of bacteriological analysis of the samples reveal very high concentrations of coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli varying between 130 and ≥ 2400MPN/100ml of water. This is an indication of faecal contamination of the groundwater. It is recommended that, hydrogeological survey of the area be conducted to ascertain the direction of groundwater flow and depth to water table before location of toilets and wells. Environmental and health authorities should educate, regulate and control the people regarding sewage disposal.
Authors : Magaji, S.U., Seli, A.B., Sanusi, S. and Inuwa, I.M.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 8(1) Date Uploaded : 18th September 2022