Physicochemical and bacteriological assessment of groundwater quality in Aduloju Area, Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, Oyo State, Nigeria.
3 Department of Technical Education, School of Secondary Education, Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2026, 10(02), 109-117.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjet.2026.10.2.0044
Publication history:
Received on 25 April 2026; revised on 02 June 2026; accepted on 04 June 2026
Abstract:
Groundwater is an important source of domestic water supply in many parts of Nigeria, especially in communities where access to treated pipe-borne water is inadequate. However, contamination of groundwater resulting from poor sanitation, indiscriminate waste disposal, and environmental pollution poses serious public health concerns (WHO, 2022). This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater from selected hand-dug wells in Aduloju Area, Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Two groundwater samples were collected from selected wells located at No. 24 Ekuntakoro House and Alibankudi Public well within the study area. The samples were analysed at Kappa Technologist Laboratory, Bodija, Ibadan, using standard analytical procedures recommended by APHA (2022). Physicochemical parameters analysed include colour, turbidity, pH, conductivity, total solids, total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium, iron, lead, chloride, magnesium, cadmium, zinc, chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), and total hardness. Bacteriological analyses including total viable count, total coliform count, total fungal count, and microbial identification were also carried out.
The results showed that most physicochemical parameters were within WHO permissible limits for drinking water. However, total solids (2010 mg/L), iron concentration (0.4 mg/L), and COD (6.5 mg/L) in Sample A exceeded WHO-recommended standards. Bacteriological analysis revealed high microbial contamination in Sample A with a total viable count of 2.7 × 10⁶ CFUs/ml, total coliform count of 6.3 × 10² CFUs/ml, and total fungal count of 9.4 × 10⁵ CFUs/ml. Pathogenic organisms identified include Escherichia coli, Proteus species, Aeromonas species, Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, and fungal isolates such as Aspergillus species and Penicillium species. Sample B showed lower contamination levels but still contained microbial isolates.
The study concluded that groundwater from the investigated wells, particularly Sample A, is microbiologically unsafe for direct human consumption without treatment. The contamination observed may be linked to poor sanitary conditions and environmental pollution around the wells. Therefore, proper water treatment, regular groundwater monitoring, improved sanitation practices, and protection of wells from contamination are recommended to safeguard public health.
Keywords:
Groundwater; Physicochemical Analysis; Bacteriological Assessment; Water Quality; Well Water; Ibadan.
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