ABSTRACT
Groundwater quality is of paramount importance for ensuring public health and environmental sustainability. This study presents a thorough assessment of groundwater quality through chemical characterization and compliance analysis based on established regulatory standards. The study investigates various parameters including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrites (NO2), nitrates (NO3), heavy metals (iron - Fe, lead - Pb, nickel - Ni, chromium - Cr, manganese - Mn), chloride (Cl), phosphorus (P), sulfate (SO4), bicarbonate (HCO3), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4N). Samples were collected from different locations Filling station borehole, Borehole of Mr Jame’s House, Borehole of Mr Kelvin’s House, Borehole of Mr Mohammed’s House and Borehole of Mr White’s House at Iyowa Community, Benin City, Edo State which is denoted as BHF, BHJ, BHK, BHM, and BHW respectively in the result. Results indicate that pH levels ranged from 7.3 to 7.6, falling within the acceptable range of 6.5 to 8.5 set by regulatory bodies. TDS and TSS were below the detection limit (ND), indicating compliance with the specified limits of 3.0 mg/L and 1.0 to 1.5 mg/L respectively. Nitrite concentrations ranged from 0.007 to 0.018 mg/L, complying with the regulatory limit of 0.02 mg/L. Nitrate concentrations varied between 0.055 and 0.101 mg/L, meeting the permissible limit of 10.0 mg/L. Heavy metal concentrations, including Fe, Pb, Cr, and Mn, were within the acceptable limits set by regulatory bodies. However, nickel concentrations were not detected (ND), warranting further investigation due to unspecified limits. Chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate concentrations were within the specified limits, indicating compliance with regulatory standards. Phosphorus and ammonium nitrogen concentrations were not specified (N.S), necessitating further clarification of regulatory limits. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the chemical composition of groundwater and its compliance with regulatory standards.
