Analysis of Some Ground Water Quality Parameters in the Vicinity of Asbestos Factory in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

It has been established that wherever asbestos factory is sited, health of people of the adjoining settlements is threatened. This study was aimed at determining the physico-chemical characteristic of the ground water in villages around asbestos factory in Bauchi. Water samples were collected from six functional hand dug wells with three replications each. The samples were subjected to physical and chemical analyses as follows: Temperature, pH and Conductivity, were directly measured using a portable multipurpose pH, Temperature and Conductivity field meter. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) calculated from the Conductivity values obtained. EDTA titration method as described by the American Public Health Association, APHA was used to determine the Hardness of the water samples. Calcium and Magnesium were determined by EDTA titration while Total alkalinity was determined by strong acid titration method. Trace elements – Total Fe, Pb, Cr, Cd, Mn, and Si were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Unicom 969) after extraction with Aqua-regia. Result of the analysis revealed that many of the water quality parameters in the study area have exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) limits. It may be concluded that the Asbestos manufacturing operation has impact on the ground water quality in the two settlements adjoining the factory. It is recommended among others that the houses located very close to factory should be relocated far away from the factory and alternative sources of water be provided to the neighborhoods.

Key words: Evaluation; Groundwater; Quality; Asbestos; Factory