Assessment of Seasonal Changes of Some Physicochemical Parameters of Drinking Water in Dutsinma city Katsina state, Nigeria

Abstract

The research aimed at assessing seasonal changes of four sources of potable water i.e., treated tap-water, boreholes, hand-pumps and well-water, in Dutsinma city. It also aimed at investigating water quality in the area of study in terms of temperature,pH, colour, taste, odour and turbidity in the wet and dry seasons. The research adopted quantitative experimental method. Data were collected through field and laboratory works and were analyzed by using T-test as a statistical method in order to ascertain seasonal changes on the quality of water for consumption. Comparison was also made between the results obtained and the water quality standards set by the Nigerian Industrial Standards NIS (2007) and World Health Organization WHO (2006). The study revealed a number of results, most importantly: The quality of water varies with regard to different seasons. Some parameters recorded maximum levels in the dry season and others were at their maximum in the rainy season. The average values of pH (6.8) and Turbidity (7.5 NTU) were found slightly higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. That of temperature (28.5) was found slightly higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. Temperature and turbidity showed significantly seasonal variation while pH showed insignificant seasonal variation. The results also revealed that, most of the water quality parameters studied were found to be within the recommended standards. Consequently, most of the water sources were safe for human consumption in terms of the parameters studied.