Crisis in the Streams: Urgent Comparative Water Quality Probe in Sabon Gari Nangere, Yobe State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/Keywords:
WHO, Nangere, Water Quality, Environmental Sustainability, Comparative AnalysisAbstract
Sabon Gari Nangere, located in Nangere Local Government Area of Yobe State, depends largely on boreholes and hand-dug wells for domestic and agricultural use. This study presents a comparative analysis of water quality from selected sampling points within Sabon Gari Nangere. The analysis focused on key physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, hardness, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), and selected heavy metals, including carcinogenic heavy metals like Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and Chromium (Cr). While some parameters like Temperature, Hardness, and TSS met WHO standards, others like turbidity and conductivity were significantly high and exceeded permissible limits in almost all the samples. Likewise, TDS and pH are also above the WHO limit in the majority of the analyzed samples. Surprisingly, Fe is significantly above the set limit in only four samples. However, the analyzed carcinogenic heavy metals like Pb, Cr, As, and Cd are alarmingly very high in almost all the analyzed samples, exceeding all the regulatory bodies' limits. Factors that may contribute to such disasters include shallow groundwater tables, agricultural runoff, poor waste disposal practices, and inadequate protection of wells and boreholes. The study concludes that almost all the water sources in Sabon Gari Nangere are not safe for direct domestic use. However, regular monitoring, improved sanitation practices, proper well protection, and community awareness will greatly enhance the water quality. The findings provide a useful reference for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders committed to improving water safety in Yobe State.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdussamad Mukhtar Mohammed, Deghinmotei Alfred-Ughenbo
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