Assessment of Groundwater Quality from Tombia Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for rural communities in the Niger Delta, yet its quality is increasingly threatened by natural geochemical processes and anthropogenic activities. This study evaluated the quality of groundwater in Tombia community in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing its suitability for domestic consumption and identifying potential health risks. Samples were collected from boreholes and hand-dug wells and analysed for physical, chemical, and biological parameters using standard analytical methods. The results revealed that pH (7.27–7.72), temperature (27.5–27.9°C), and TDS (53.2–465.5 mg/L) were within permissible limits in all samples. All major ions (iron and manganese) and total hardness were within WHO and NSDWQ limits, the samples showedd significantly higher concentrations of EC, TDS, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, and hardness, suggesting saltwater intrusion and mineral dissolution. Manganese exceeded the aesthetic guideline at ST12 TAP4T (0.119 mg/L). Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium) were below detection limits. Total and faecal coliforms were absent in all samples, indicating no faecal contamination, though THB counts were high (>500 CFU/mL) in 91.7% of samples. The Water Quality Index classified the water samples as Excellent, primarily due to extreme turbidity and iron. Hand-dug wells exhibited higher turbidity and iron than boreholes, highlighting their vulnerability to surface contamination. The study concluded that groundwater in Tombia are generally potable and free from faecal contamination, but aesthetic issues (turbidity, iron, manganese) and early signs of saltwater intrusion require attention. Therefore, regular monitoring of the water in the area advised to enhance water safety and ensure sustainable groundwater management.