Assessment of Ground...

Groundwater constitutes the primary source of potable water for residents of Aba Metropolis, southeastern Nigeria, yet rapid urbanization and industrial expansion pose increasing risks to its quality. This study assessed the groundwater quality in Aba metropolis based on Water Quality Index (WQI) approach. Twenty (20) groundwater samples were collected from various groundwater sources across Aba North and Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Areas in January 2025. In situ measurements of pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were conducted, while heavy metals and inorganic elements were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results revealed strongly acidic groundwater conditions in both LGAs, with mean pH values (3.90–4.01) far below World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. Although TDS (90.3-106.63 mg/L) and EC (117.87-226.83 mg/L) values were within acceptable limits, extremely low DO levels (0.10-0.11 mg/L) indicated poor groundwater aeration and possible chemical oxygen depletion. Iron (Fe) concentrations exceeded WHO guidelines in several locations, while lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and other inorganic constituents were generally within permissible limits. WQI analysis classified groundwater in Osisioma as poor (WQI = 78.29) and groundwater in Aba North as unsuitable for drinking (WQI = 448.68), primarily due to acidity and elevated iron levels. The study concludes that groundwater quality in Aba Metropolis is significantly compromised and requires urgent management interventions, routine monitoring, and appropriate treatment before domestic consumption.