Comparative physicochemical properties of surface and ground water qualities and its public health implications in Osogbo Town, Osun State, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Portable sources of surface and ground water are constantly polluted by anthropogenic activities and have negative impacts on human and animal health. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of Osun River and selected wells in Osogbo town, Osun State, Nigeria, to ascertain their public health impacts. Water samples from surface and ground water systems were examined to determine their pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Temperature, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Salinity values. The mean values of the pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, BOD and COD were observed to be within international limits, while Temperature, Turbidity and DO were above permissible limits. This study showed that the surface and ground water systems assessed were contaminated with substances in dry and wet seasons occasioned by the vigorous anthropogenic activities, such as mining, agriculture, construction and waste deposits. The study recommends creation of awareness by government and other stakeholders on the extant variable cost effective water treatment techniques to reduce the health risks of consuming populated portable water in the study area. Also, the activities of miners and residents should be regulated in the contamination and pollution of freshwater sources in the study area.