Vulnerability of Groundwater Quality to Septic Systems in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria

Abstract

The physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of groundwater quality were examined between the wet season months of May, June and July in Calabar Municipality to investigate the effect of leaky septic systems on groundwater quality in the study area. A total of sixty (60) water samples were collected from the sampling locations of five boreholes (CMBH1, CMBH2, CMBH3, CMBH4 and CMBH5) once a week for a period of three (3) months in prewashed 2-litre plastic containers which were rinsed thoroughly with the sample to avoid contaminations and analysed in the laboratory to ascertain the concentration of the monitored parameters using Standard methods. The results of the concentrations of the sampled. The levels of pH, turbidity, EC, TH, Nitrate, Manganese, Iron, Sulphate, TDS and Copper were within the permissible limits given by NSDWQ while the concentrations of TCC, FCC, Total Chlorine, Nickel and Chromium were above the maximum permissible limits given by NSDWQ and the proximity of 7m and 15m between boreholes and septic systems, therefore poses a serious environmental concern as these concentrations may hamper the health status of unsuspecting users of these boreholes. The study showed that high microbial loads in the sampled boreholes indicate that the water sources are polluted and not safe for drinking. The study recommended that septic systems and boreholes should be located 30 m apart as recommended by WHO to avoid massive contamination. The construction processes of
septic systems should be monitored by professionals and standards strictly adhered to.