Assessment of the Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Borehole Water from Selected Locations in the Central Senatorial Zone of Taraba State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1012-5270Keywords:
Borehole water, physicochemical parameters, bacteriological parameters, heavy metals, CCME Water Quality Index, Taraba StateAbstract
This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of borehole water in five Local Government Areas (Bali, Gashaka, Gassol, Kurmi and Sardauna) within the Central Senatorial Zone of Taraba State, Nigeria. Twenty-five domestic boreholes were randomly selected, with one composite sample collected from each borehole and analysed using standard laboratory procedures (APHA, 2017). Physicochemical properties were determined using spectrophotometric, titrimetric and electrometric methods, while heavy metals were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Bacteriological quality was evaluated using membrane filtration and pour plate techniques. Most physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, and turbidity, total dissolved solids, chloride and nitrate, complied with World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards. However, phenol, cyanide, chromium, cadmium and nickel exceeded permissible limits in some locations, with Sardauna recording the highest concentrations for most contaminants. Bacteriological analysis revealed that total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella–Shigella and total heterotrophic bacteria were detected in all samples at levels exceeding the WHO guideline of zero colony-forming units per 100 mL, indicating widespread faecal contamination. Water quality assessment using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index classified all study locations as having poor water quality. The study concludes that borehole water across the study area is unsuitable for direct human consumption. It recommends routine water quality monitoring, improved wellhead protection, effective disinfection and household water treatment to reduce chemical and microbial health risks and ensure safe drinking water.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jecancy Jesse Abaflous, Eunice Adebowale Medjor, Weltime Odeguonor Medjor, Isaac Ernest
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