Project Abstract

Abstract
Groundwater contamination is a widespread environmental issue that poses significant risks to human health and the ecosystem. This research project aims to investigate the various factors contributing to groundwater contamination and assess its impacts on water quality and public health. The study will focus on identifying sources of contamination, such as industrial activities, agricultural practices, and improper waste disposal, and evaluating the extent of contamination in different regions. Through a combination of field surveys, water sampling, and laboratory analysis, this research will quantify the levels of contaminants in groundwater sources and assess their potential risks to human health. The project will also explore the effectiveness of existing remediation strategies and propose new approaches to mitigate groundwater contamination. By analyzing data on water quality, land use, and hydrogeological conditions, the study aims to provide insights into the complex pathways of contaminant transport and identify vulnerable areas at high risk of contamination. Furthermore, this research project will investigate the socio-economic implications of groundwater contamination, including its impact on local communities, agriculture, and the economy. By conducting surveys and interviews with stakeholders, the study will assess community awareness of groundwater issues, perceptions of risk, and attitudes towards conservation practices. The findings of this research will help policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders develop strategies to protect groundwater resources and safeguard public health. In conclusion, groundwater contamination is a pressing environmental concern that requires urgent attention and concerted efforts to address. This research project will contribute valuable insights into the sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies for groundwater contamination, ultimately aiming to protect water quality, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable development. By raising awareness of the risks associated with groundwater contamination and proposing effective solutions, this study seeks to support informed decision-making and promote the long-term health and well-being of communities reliant on groundwater resources.

Project Overview

In Nigeria, inadequate supply of pipe borne water is a major concern; hence many homes have wells as a source of water for household uses. The groundwater of forty wells in Agbowo community was assessed for Total Aerobic Bacteria Counts (TABC) and Total Coliform Counts (TCC). The location and distances of wells from septic tanks were determine dusing the Global Positioning System (GPS) device and a tape rule respectively. All the wells sampled had high TABC(4.76±1.41 log CFU/mL) and TCC (2.29±0.67 log CFU/mL) counts which exceeded the international standard of 0 per100 mL of potable water.

There were no significant differences in the bacterial counts between covered and uncoveredwells (p >0.05). The mean distance (8.93±3.61m) of wells from the septic tanks was below the limit (15.24 m or 50 ft) setby United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). TABC increased with a decrease in distance between thewells and septic tanks though not significant (p <0.05)A very weak positive correlation (r2=0.021)ensued between thedistance from septic tank and CC, while a weak negative correlation (r2=
‒0.261)  was obtained between the TCC andTABC. This study accentuates the need to set standards for the siting of wells from septic tanks while considering allpossible sources of well contamination as well as treatment of ground water before use.