PHYSIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED GROUNDWATER SAMPLES IN PART OF PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

The quality of groundwater depends on its physiochemical and microbial characteristics. This study is aimed at analyzing the physiochemical quality of groundwater and was carried out to assess the quality of groundwater samples obtained from five different boreholes within Eliozu (the study area). Total of seven major parameters were analyzed, they are potency of hydrogen (PH), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity and concentration of nitrate (NO3 ̅) and sulphate (SO ■(2-@4)). The results obtained were compared with standards prescribed by WHO, and showed that groundwater samples from these boreholes have PH value between 3.9 and 4.5 thus, are acidic and not suitable for drinking purposes, electrical conductivity value range from 50 to 208µΩ/cm, BH3 has low organic matter contaminants because its DO value is the least, TDS values is between 66 and 114.4mg/L which is within the limit desirable for drinking water supplies by WHO, salinity values range from 16.5 to 29.7mg/L, indicating that BH3 and BH5 have the most suitable water for drinking. The knowledge of this study can be applied in water resources management, hydrological activities and environmental and health management.