International Journal of Chemistry Studies

Authors
Uwem U Ubong, Ifiok O Ekwere, Edidiong E Ikpe, Clement O Obadimu

Abstract
The study assessed aspect of physicochemical properties of groundwater from different boreholes in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. Water samples were collected from some boreholes in the sampling sites using standard methods. Triplicate samples were collected from five sampling sites within two weeks per months of October and November. The Water Quality Index (WQI) of the borehole water was calculated in order to ascertain the quality of water for public consumption. Water Quality Index was determined using some physicochemical parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, calcium, chloride, nitrate and sulphate. Results showed that S1 and S3 had values of pH, that were within the WHO and NSDWQ recommended values of 6.5-8.5. However, observed values for S2, S4 and S5 were acidic in nature and therefore were below the permissible limit. Levels of the concentration of electrical conductivity at S1 ranged from 30.0-33.0 µS/cm (mean =31.33±1.51 µS/cm). The mean value of electrical conductivity from all the sampling sites was below the permissible level of 1000.0 µs/cm. The concentrations of alkalinity at S3 ranges from 12.33-12.36 mg/l (mean = 12.33±0.03 mg/l). The values of Ca for the sampling sites had the following trend; S1>S5>S2>S4>S3. The values were within the permissible limit of 75.0 mg/l set by WHO and NSDWQ. The observed highest levels of nitrate at S1 range from 7.15-7.20 mg/l while S5 levels was 4.02-4.04 mg/l and had the following sequence S3>S2>S4>S1>S5. The Water Quality Index for S2, S3, S4 and S5 were -18.75, 16.04, -19.31 and -19.51 respectively, these values fall within grade A; implying excellent water quality. S1 with the value of 37.42 was rated as grade B; implying a good water quality. This result indicates that the groundwater quality of the study area is suitable for drinking and poses no adverse health implication for the exposed populace.