1.1 Introduction
Surface waters and groundwater become contaminated from both natural and anthropogenic sources of phosphates. Natural sources of phosphorus in both surface and groundwater include atmospheric deposition, natural decomposition of rocks and minerals, weathering of soluble inorganic materials, decaying biomass, runoff, and sedimentation. Anthropogenic sources include; fertilizers, wastewater and septic system effluent, animal wastes, detergents, industrial discharge, phosphate mining, drinking water treatment, forest fires, synthetic material development surface (Spraill et al., 1998, Sheila 2005, Mueller et al., 1995 and Manahan, 1993).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Access to portable water sources in rural and urban areas remains a serious challenge in many developing countries like Malawi (Mtewa et al. 2018). Water quality research done on communally shared water points in Lilaka, Mvula, Chikunda, Namiyango and Ntopwa of Bangwe township has shown that water from boreholes and Hand Dug Well exceeds the recommended guideline values for drinking water according to World Health Organisation, Malawi Bureau of standards and Ministry of Water development (Kaonga et al. 2013; Mtewa et al. 2018; Mkandawire T & Banda E 2009). There is no literature on the water quality of borehole and hand-dug well in Namatapa area, Bangwe Township. In addition, residents in the area think boreholes are a source of portable water as compared to hand-dug wells. Consumption of poor quality water majorly threatens the health of millions of people worldwide (Adekunle et al., 2007).
Naturally occurring levels of phosphates in surface and ground water bodies are not harmful to human health, animals or the environment. Conversely, extremely high levels of phosphates can cause digestive problems (Sheila, 2005). Furthermore, excessive amounts of phosphates in water bodies can lead to eutrophication, a condition of accelerated, algal production to extreme quantities until they die off. The bacteria responsible for their decomposition use up and hence deplete the dissolved oxygen concentration in the water bodies to such levels that can result in fish kills. Additionally excessive algae on the water surface can accumulate into a scum which can result in clogged pipelines, restricted recreation and foul odours, when they eventually decay (Spraill et al., 1998, Sheila 2005, Mueller et al., 1995, Nolan, 1993 and Murray, 2003).
Kalua and Chipeta (2005) reported that in Malawi, nearly 50% of all illnesses are related to waterborne diseases. From 2004 to 2005 and November 2007 to December 2007 Bangwe clinic registered 263 and 85 cholera cases, respectively, which was the highest level recorded by both peri-urban and rural clinics in Blantyre (Kaonga et al. 2013). Groundwater accounts for about 88% safe drinking water in rural areas where there is widely dispersed population and water treatment infrastructure and transportation does not exist (Alexander, 2008). Present study seeks to comparatively assess the water quality of boreholes and Hand Dug Well in Nigeria.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the Comparative Analysis of Contaminants and Water Quality between Hand Dug Wells and Bore holes in Mabera Sokoto Metropolis research work which entails that, Challenges in setting up potable water supplies for communities have been a matter under discussion. Most cited reasons range from poor quality of borehole water, high seepage rates of water pans, and seasonality of streams (Hazra, 2013).
The factors affecting drinking water quality attributed to the poor maintenance and improper hygienic conditions; location of water dispensers, and frequency of its use are also affecting the possible accumulation of coliforms and contamination of the water being distributed. Hence, some water dispensers could be considered unfit for use. Sustainability of existing water projects has also proved difficult owing to poor management systems. Worse enough, prevailing poor sanitation conditions pose the greatest threat to water points. Previous studies in both urban and rural areas have concluded that contamination from on-site sanitation is a principal cause of contamination of water sources (Howard et al., 2013).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to compare the Water Quality between Bore hole and Hand Dug Well in Mabera Sokoto Metropolis. In achieving this aim, the following objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the water quality of Bore hole and Hand Dug Well in Mabera Sokoto Metropolis
- To compare the physical and chemical quality of the Hand Dug Well and bole hole water.
- To investigate the microbial and physical quality of consumable water distributed through Hand Dug Well and bole hole water
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Comparative Analysis of Contaminants and Water Quality between Hand Dug Wells and Bore holes in Mabera Sokoto Metropolis.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
E.coli: Is an acronym for Escherichia coli which is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning.
Staphylococcal: Staphylococcus (staph) is a group of bacteria. There are more than 30 types. A type called Staphylococcus aureus causes most infections. Staph bacteria can cause many different types of infections, including; skin infections which are the most common types of staph infections.
Isolates: isolate simply means cause (a person or place) to be or remain alone or apart from others.
Phytochemical: This is a substance produced mainly by plants, and these substances have biological activity.
Component: it simply means one part of a whole thing.
Antibacterial: Anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce. Heat, chemicals such as chlorine, and antibiotic drugs all have antibacterial properties.
Effect: a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
