A Groundwater Quality Study of Lagos State, Nigeria
Soladoye, O.; Ajibade, L.T.

Abstract
The paper is aimed at investigating the physico-chemical and microbial quality of water in 30 shallow wells in Lagos State. Results showed that groundwater quality in Lagos is highly variable from one location to the other. Water parameters were found to exceed set local (SON) and international (WHO) standards. Analysis of pH indicated that groundwater in 14 locations are acidic. The 500mg/l WHO limit for TDS was exceeded in 5 locations while EC limit was exceeded in 4. The presence of zinc and Escherichia coli (e.coli) in water samples calls for attention. From the study, there is no sampling point that did not have at least one parameter exceeding set standards. None of the sampling wells can be considered ‘pure’. Therefore, groundwater within the Lagos environment cannot be said to be potable. It is a major concern to users, agencies responsible for water provision and governmental bodies. This paper calls for further research.

Full Text: PDF