Alternative Source of Water Supply for Owerri Area

Abstract

Alternative source of water supply for Owerri area has been studied. This is due to population explosion caused by Boko Haram refugees with the result that the aquifer is adversely affected. Parameters such as organic, inorganic and bacteriological composition of the water were analyzed. Water analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectroscopy for Ca²⁺, Na+, Mg²⁺, Cl-, Pb²⁺ and Cadmium. Zinc and copper (Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺) were analyzed with the aid of spectrophotometer, while K+ was determined with flame photometer method. PH was determined with standard PH meters while the concentration of total iron (Fe3+) was determined using Spekker absorption meter. Total dissolved solid (TDS) was determined using glass fiber filter. Trimetric method was used to access turbidity. PH and dissolved oxygen were analyzed institu in the field with appropriate standard meters. Anions like HCO₃^- were estimated by titrimetric method, while bacterial presence was estimated by most probable number technique (MPN). The result shows that the water is acidic (ph 5.43). Turbidity and colour are high (122.65 and 546.3). The average temperature is high (29.67oc). The biological oxygen demand is high (4.75). Nutrient level is high.  Fe³⁺ is high (0.32mg/l). It was discovered that the water is contaminated with high level coliforms. Therefore, PH, turbidity and iron exceeded the safe drinking limit. The remarkable high level in the nutrient (N and P-K), might affect the water quality due to the influence of methemoglobinamea resulting from nitrites. It is therefore, recommended that proper remediation of the water is imperative before Nworie River is appropriate as a source of municipal water supply.

KEYWORDS: River Nworie in Owerri, Boko Haram, Anambra-Imo Sedimentary basin, water quality, south east Nigeria.