IMPACTS OF ROCK MINERALIZATION AND POOR SANITARY SYSTEM ON BOREHOLE WATERS QUALITY AND THE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

The quality of borehole waters in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria was assessed for six months. The study was designed to focus on the impacts of some mineral elements and poor sanitary system on the water quality. pH, conductivity and TDS were measured in situ while Calcium ion, Magnesium ion, Lead concentration and total coliform count were determined in the laboratory using standard methods. The results showed that mean pH (6.20) was lowest at Aguogboriga in the wet period while mean conductivity (805.00 µS cm-1) and TDS (402.00 mg L-1) were highest at Kpirikpiri in the dry season. Highest mean concentrations of Calcium ion (84.17 mg L-1) and Magnesium ion (149.37 mg L-1) were recorded in the wet period at Amasiri street. Mean Lead concentration (0.35 mg L-1) was highest at Brakenbury in the dry period and total coliform (24 CFU ml-1) at Amasiri street in the wet period. The study revealed that pH, Calcium ion, Magnesium ion, Lead (Pb) level and total coliform count were above the WHO acceptable standard for drinking water at some of the study locations. The target cancer risk (TR) calculated for Pb showed the possibility that individual might develop cancer over time of exposure. So, proper survey should be carried out before siting boreholes to reduce point source pollution.