ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to determine the spatial variation in the quality of borehole water in Edo state, Nigeria. 5 water samples were collected from different study sites which were selected based on different geological formations of Edo state. The physico-chemical parameters which were tested for include: pH, electrical conductivity, Total Nitrates, Ammonium (NH4), Nitrates (NO3), Nitrogen 1 oxide (NO3), Phosphates (PO4), potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Chlorides (Cl), Sulphates (SO4), and Sodium (Na), metals such as Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Nitrogen (N), Cromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) using atomic absorption spectrometry and the results were compared with the WHO standard for drinking water. Among the five samples analyzed, just one (Auchi: 7.9) had a pH value which was within the WHO limits, the other samples showed a mildly acidic pH (5.3-5.8). The Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) fell within the WHO limit, the other parameters were outside the recommended values by the W.H.O.Generally, the results exhibited significant variation in the parameters studied on the samples; this could be attributed to the geological and soil formations. It was concluded that the water is considered unsafe for drinking and therefore should be treated before consumption, also it recommended that further studies should be conducted in the area to the specific factors responsible for contamination so as to make prevention of contamination much easier.
