Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Access to safe and clean drinking water is crucial for public health and well-being. This research project focuses on the assessment of drinking water quality to ensure the safety of water consumed by the population. The study employs a comprehensive approach that includes physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses to evaluate various parameters that can affect water quality. The physical analysis involves examining the appearance, color, odor, and turbidity of the water sample. Chemical analysis includes testing for various contaminants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, pesticides, and other pollutants that may be present in the water. Microbiological analysis is conducted to detect the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause waterborne diseases. Several methods are utilized for water quality assessment, including standard laboratory tests, field measurements, and advanced technologies such as spectrophotometry, chromatography, and molecular biology techniques. These methods provide accurate and reliable data on the quality of drinking water, enabling researchers to identify potential risks and take appropriate measures to ensure water safety. The research also considers factors that can impact water quality, such as industrial activities, agricultural runoff, urbanization, and natural sources of contamination. By understanding the sources and pathways of water pollution, effective strategies can be developed to prevent contamination and protect water resources. Furthermore, this project aims to assess compliance with water quality standards and regulations set by national and international authorities. By comparing the results of water quality analysis with established guidelines, researchers can determine whether the water meets the required standards for safe consumption. The findings of this research have significant implications for public health, environmental protection, and policy development. By monitoring and evaluating drinking water quality, stakeholders can implement measures to improve water treatment processes, implement pollution control measures, and ensure access to safe drinking water for all. This research contributes to enhancing water management practices and promoting sustainable development goals related to water quality and public health. In conclusion, the assessment of drinking water quality is essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring access to safe and clean water. This research project employs a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate water quality parameters, identify potential risks, and implement strategies to protect water resources.

Thesis Overview

1.0     INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose.

Water is essential to maintain and sustain human life, animal and plant (Patil and Patil, 2010). The availability of good quality water is an indispensable feature for preventing disease and improving quality of life ( Oluduro and Aderiye, 2007). Safe drinking water is a human birthright as much as clean air, however much of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water. Of the 6 billion people on earth, more than one billion lack access to safe drinking water (Amoo and Akinbode, 2007). Groundwater constitutes an important source of water supply for domestic and agriculture purposes in Nigeria.

Groundwater is believed to be comparatively much cleaner and free from pollution than surface water. Water pollution is a state of deviation from pure condition, whereby its normal function and properties are affected. However, prolong discharge of industrial effluents, domestic sewage and solid waste dump causes the ground water to be polluted thereby creating health problems (Raja et al, 2002). These problems are much more acute in areas which are densely populated, thickly industrialized and have shallow groundwater table. Groundwater is naturally replenished by surface water from precipitation, streams and rivers when this recharge reaches the water table and naturally lost through discharge to the oceans, evaporation, and evapotranspiration. Rain water dissolves soluble salts from vegetations, topsoils, river beds, lake beds into water bodies, hence most ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+and NH4+) in rain water are also found in surface and groundwater (Imoisi et al., 2012).

The most familiar of these ions are Ca2+ and Mg2+ which interfere with the cleaning action of soap, and can form hard sulfate and soft carbonate deposits in water heaters or boilers.