Barium, Calcium and Sodium, Cyanide, Phosphate and Sulphate Contents of Groundwater in Some Ika Communities of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Barium, calcium, sodium, cyanide, phosphate and sulphate and contents of groundwater in Boji-Boji (BB) area and suburbs of Ika land, Delta State, Nigeria were studied. Groundwater is the predominant source of water for inhabitants of these communities without any form of treatment. 55 borehole water sites spread within these five sample sub-areas. The metal ions were analyzed using Solar Unicam flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Sulphate, phosphate, and cyanide contents were determined by colorimetric method. Results indicate the presence of sodium, calcium, sulphate, and phosphate. However, barium and cyanide were below detection limit. Secondly, there was a relatively higher proportion of calcium and sulphate than sodium and phosphate in its aquifer. Thirdly, a mean ratio value of 0.018 and 0.158 was observed for the ratios of Na+/Ca2+ and respectively. Fourthly, sodium showed good correlation with all the other parameters. Finally, nearly all the studied parameters have concentrations below the maximum contaminant levels of the World Health Organization (WHO), invariably inferring that the water is wholesome with respect to the analytes. However, concern still remains from a health point of view on the sodium concentrations in many sample areas.