Physico-Chemical Quality Evaluation of Surface Water in Rural Micro-Watersheds, Southern Yobe, Nigeria.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/Keywords:
Micro-Watersheds, Quality, WaterMicro-Watersheds, Rural, SurfaceAbstract
This study evaluates the physico-chemical quality of surface water in rural micro-watersheds of Southern Yobe, Nigeria. The research aimed to evaluate key water quality parameters, including pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, iron, and manganese, in relation to World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) guidelines. Water samples were collected from twenty-five (25) locations across four (4) Local Government Areas: Potiskum, Nangere, Fune, and Fika using grab sampling techniques. Spatial analysis was conducted using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation in ArcGIS 10.5 to map parameter distribution. The results indicated significant spatial variations in water quality, with several locations exceeding permissible limits. Notably, turbidity levels were extremely high in some locations, reaching 1,986 NTU, far above both WHO and NSDWQ guideline of 5.0 NTU. Additionally, iron and manganese concentrations exceeded WHO limits in all sampled locations, posing potential health risks: The study highlights the urgent need for water quality management interventions, including improved watershed protection, sediment control measures, and cost-effective community-based water treatment solutions such as filtration and solar disinfection. This study highlights the critical need for improving water quality, strengthening watershed management, and promoting safe water access in rural communities of Southern Yobe, thereby directly contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
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