Physicochemical Assessment of Achievers University Groundwater, Owo, Southwestern Nigeria

Background and Objective: Achievers University depends mainly on borehole water as a means of water supply, and it is largely believed that borehole water is deemed safe and not exposed to contamination. This research set out to analyze the physicochemical parameters of the borehole water in the school and compare the parameters with the recommended standards. Materials and Methods: Eight boreholes were randomly selected from Achievers University. Standard techniques were used to take water samples from the boreholes. Field measurements for parameters such as pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature were conducted, alongside laboratory analysis of nitrate, sulfate, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium concentrations. Results: The nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.9 to 15.07 mg/L, chloride concentration ranged from 7.68 to 30.73 mg/L, sulphate concentration ranged from 0.57 to 13.29 mg/L, and bicarbonate concentration ranged from 42-108 mg/L. Calcium concentration ranges from 0.773-3.301 mg/L, sodium concentration ranges from 0.773-1.573 mg/L, magnesium concentration ranges from 0.497 to 1.179 mg/L, and potassium concentration ranges from 0.769 to 1.035 mg/L, with no sample exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) limit. The pH value falls within the range of 5.78 to 7.35, with sample SP2 having the lowest value slightly lower than the recommended value of (WHO), and the TDS ranged from 72 to 138 mg/L. The TDS and electrical conductivity levels were also within safe limits. The Piper diagram revealed that most samples were of the magnesium bicarbonate type, with some exhibiting calcium and bicarbonate dominance. The Gibbs plot indicated rock weathering as the primary mechanism influencing water chemistry. Conclusion: Overall, the study concluded that the borehole water in Achievers University is generally safe for consumption, except for the slightly acidic pH in one sample, which may require minor corrective measures. Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure sustained water quality.