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Application of Water Quality Index to Assess the

Potability of Some Domestic Water Supply
Sources in Mubi North, Nigeria
Ibrahim A. Sukamari1*, Bitrus Kwaji2, Jacob Alheri1 and Ichi-Osa Elvis Abia3
1
Depatment of Civil Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic Mubi
2
Department of Geology and Mining Technology, Federal Polytechnic Mubi
3
PG Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi

Abstract:- This study set out to determine the potability of some fresh water, but also to other environmental resources such
common domestic water supply sources in Mubi North using as clean air, land and food. These resources would become
Water Quality Index (WQI). Two major wards were selected even more difficult to access as population and the pollution
(Barama/Gipalma and Barama) from where a total of it inevitably engenders impacts on the environment.
seventeen (17) samples were collected monthly over a period of
three months and analyzed for: temperature, turbidity, pH,
total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total In order to guarantee public health, access to adequate water
hardness (TH), magnesium (𝐌𝐠 + ), calcium (𝐂𝐚𝟐+ ), nitrates of good quality must be given to the people. However, with
(𝐍𝐎− 𝟐− 𝟑−
𝟑 ), sulphates (𝐒𝐎𝟒 ), phosphate (𝐏𝐎𝟒 ), chlorides (𝐂𝐥 ),
− the current global economic challenges, governments have
dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand been unable to put in place, and where available, unable to
(BOD). Standards for drinking water quality as recommended maintain working municipal water supply systems in most
by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigeria developing countries of the world. The cost of installing
Industrial Standard (NIS) were adopted for reference. The these municipal water supply systems has prohibited their
weighted arithmetic water quality index (WAWQI) method provision even by the governments of some economically
was used to evaluate the WQI. Physicochemical analysis well to do countries (Colombo & Karney, 2002).
showed that the pH, TH, 𝐂𝐚𝟐+ , 𝐍𝐎− −
𝟑 , 𝐂𝐥 , DO, and BOD for all Consequently, the inability of the governments to provide
samples in both Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa met the limits
of acceptability set by WHO and NIS. Turbidity and EC failed
adequate supplies of piped borne waters through
for open wells and river points in all locations, while TDS and municipality networks has forced the people to resort to
𝐌𝐠 + met the standards in boreholes and open wells but failed obtaining supply mainly from simple traditional sources.
in all river samples. 𝐏𝐎𝟑− 𝟒 values as analysed were all within
These sources are typically open wells, boreholes, streams,
permissible limit for all samples except river Mudzira which ponds, rivers and direct collection from rain water.
recorded a mean of 6.25 mg/L as against the 5 mg/L stipulated
by WHO. The concentrations of 𝐒𝐎𝟐− 𝟒 in all samples failed the Often, the waters collected from such sources are utilized
maximum permissible value stipulated by NIS except for the with inadequate treatment or totally without treatment.
borehole in Barama/Gipalma. WQI determined that borehole Unfortunately, all of these sources are susceptible to
waters from both Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa are of good pollution and contamination from both natural and
quality (WQI=45 and 31 respectively), open wells in
anthropogenic influences.
Barama/Gipalma are of poor quality (WQI=70) while those in
Lokuwa are of very poor quality (WQI=78). Finally, the river
waters from both River Mudzira and Yedzaram were found to For this reason, regular monitoring of the quality of the
be unsuitable for drinking (WQI=123 and 116 respectively). water resources of such areas are therefore absolutely
necessary in order to protect environmental health. Hence,
Key Words: Water quality index, drinking water quality, assessment and evaluation of the quality status of the major
assessment of water quality, groundwater, surface water, Mubi. domestic water supply sources in Mubi becomes important.

INTRODUCTION Assessment of water quality has been established to be a

The rapid increase in population, urbanization, intense complex process undertaking multiple parameters capable
agricultural activities and accelerated industrialization in of causing various stresses on the overall quality (A. H.
many parts of the world has put a tremendous burden on Fathy, F. Abdel Hamid, A. Shreadah, A. Mohamed, & G. El-
global fresh water supply (Abbasnia et al., 2019; Yisa, Gazar, 2012). Traditionally, approaches to assessing water
Jimoh, & Oyibo, 2012). With the world’s population quality are based on the comparison of experimentally
projected to exceed nine billion by 2050 (United Nations, determined parameter values with existing guidelines. But it
2019), access to adequate fresh water supply for, especially is always a difficult task to evaluate water quality from a
domestic and agricultural purposes, will become more large number of samples, each containing concentrations for
difficult except proper water resources management many parameters. Therefore, Water Quality Index (WQI), a
decisions and planning strategies are taken and technique that would provide the composite influence of
implemented. In fact, the challenge is not just poor access to individual water quality parameters on the overall quality of

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water for human consumption from a study involving a large Lokuwa Borehole LBH1 10.27381 13.282938
number of samples was developed. It became an invaluable Borehole LBH2 10.273209 13.282474
Borehole LBH3 10.276923 13.282734
tool that could be used to minimize the data volume to a Open well LOW1 10.273431 13.283414
great extent and simplify the expression of water quality Open well LOW2 10.273525 13.282823
status (TirkeyPoonam, BhattacharyaTanushree, & Open well LOW3 10.27632 13.282195
ChakrabortySukalyan, 2015; Yisa et al., 2012). River point LRP1 10.263408 13.27941
River point LRP2 10.269754 13.276962
River point LRP3 10.274787 13.262688
WQI is defined as a rating that reflects the composite
influence of different water quality parameters determined
from the point of view of the suitability of water for human SAMPLING AND SAMPLE PREPARATION
consumption (Chaurasia et al., 2018; Howladar, SELECTION OF SAMPLE SITES
Numanbakth, & Faruque, 2017). It can be evaluated on the A reconnaissance survey was conducted with the aim of
basis of various physical, chemical and bacteriological identifying the common domestic water supply sources in
parameters, thus enhancing its versatility as a tool Mubi North and areas with good representation of
(TirkeyPoonam et al., 2015). urbanization and agricultural activities. From the surveys
conducted, two major wards in Mubi (Barama/Gipalma and
Lokuwa) were selected for the study, from which seventeen
This study therefore seeks to employ the use of water quality
(17) sampling points were selected. Common domestic
index to assess the quality status of some physicochemical
water supply sources identified in Mubi include open wells,
water quality parameters in some common sources of
boreholes and river points. The seventeen (17) sampling
domestic water supply in Mubi using the WQI approach.
points earmarked were distributed such that every source
identified and selected was apportioned three (3) samples
MATERIALS AND METHODS
each except for river Mudzira.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA
Mubi is the capital of Mubi North and it is the largest town
SAMPLE COLLECTION AND ANALYTICAL
in the northern senatorial zone of Adamawa state, Nigeria. It
METHODOLOGY
is geographically situated on latitude 10° 11′ 30′′ 𝑁 to
Sampling was done monthly over a period of three (3)
10° 22′ 30′′ 𝑁 and longitude 13° 13′ 00′′ 𝐸 to 13° 30′ 00′′ 𝐸,
months from all seventeen (17) selected sampling points for
covering a total land mass of 506.4 𝑘𝑚2 (Martins & Gadiga, all three common water supply sources identified. Simple
2015; Wante & Anoliefo, 2014). It lies on the West bank of grab samples from the rivers were collected 48 hours after a
the Yedzaram River and the western flanks of the Mandara rain at commonly used water collection points. Open wells
Mountains. River Yedzeram flows northward from its and the boreholes were purged so that the samples collected
source at the Hudu Hills south-east of Mubi, receiving flow were representatives of groundwaters at the sampling
from river Mudzira at Digil and draining into the Lake Chad locations. Purging of the boreholes was achieved using
after about 330 kilometers (Wante & Anoliefo, 2014 cited existing infrastructure where waters from the boreholes were
Adebayo, 2004). Mubi has a climate classified as Equatorial pumped for a duration of twenty minutes before samples for
Savannah with dry winter or tropical rainy according to analysis were collected. Purging and sampling of the open
Koppen’s code (Kottek, Grieser, Beck, Rudolf, & Rubel, wells was achieved using a decontaminated bailer, such that
2006). This climate is determined by the influence of inter waters from the open wells were collected and discarded
tropical discontinuity (ITD) movement as well as the effect until the wells were considered stabilized and ready for
of relief. Maximum temperatures of up to 40°C can be sampling. Sampling procedure followed the protocol
recorded in April while minimum temperatures can be as described in Triplett et al (2006).
low as 18°C between December and January. The mean All water samples were collected into 1-liter capacity acid-
monthly temperature ranges from 26.7°C to 27.8°C. Rainfall cleaned High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) bottles with
begins in April, progressing and reaching its peak in strict adherence to the sampling protocols described by Leo
August/September and stopping most of the time in October. M. L. Nollet (2007), Barcelona, (2014) and Standard
Average annual rainfall ranges between 998 mm and 1262 methods (APHA, AWWA, & WEF, 2017) and analyzed
mm. The cultural life of people in Mubi is linked to farming, independently. Samples for BOD analyses were collected in
animal raring, milling exploration and small scale industries specialized glassware. Replicate samples were collected
(Wante & Anoliefo, 2014 cited Adeayo, 2004). from each sampling location as prescribed in Triplett et al
(2006).
Table1: GPS locations of sampling points On-site analyses of temperature was done using a Celsius
Coordinates
Locations Sampling points Codes Latitude Longitude thermometer; pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and dissolved
Barama/ Borehole 1 BBH1 10.270488 13.301522 oxygen (DO) were conducted using HACH® sensIon 156
Gipalma Borehole BBH2 10.269205 13.298991 Portable multi-parameter. Turbidity was measured using a
Borehole BBH3 10.276201 13.293584 HI 93703 portable microprocessor Turbidity meter
Open well BOW1 10.278305 13.295461 (HANNA Instruments). Before measurements, all
Open well BOW2 10.277556 13.293907
Open well BOW3 10.276995 13.294378
equipment were adequately calibrated according to
River point BRP1 - - standards and all reagents used were of analytical grade.
River point BRP2 10.286049 13.309413 Water samples for laboratory analyses were collected with
River point BRP3 10.282322 13.309412 regard to protocols and transported to the Department of

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Animal Production Laboratory of Adamawa State Having done that, the relative weighting 𝑊𝑛 of each
University (ADSU) Mubi. Samples for metal analysis were parameter was determined by computation using the
preserved with 3 ml concentrated HNO3 per liter in the field formula:
to bring pH to less than 2 (Begum, Mondal, Ferdous, Zafar, 𝑊𝑛 = 𝐾⁄𝑉 (3)
& Ali, 2014; David K. et al., 2011). The concentrations of 𝑠
Where 𝑊𝑛 = unit weight of tested parameter
major anions (SO42-, NO3 -, Cl- and PO43-), total dissolved
solids (TDS), Total Hardness (TH) and BOD in water 𝑉𝑠 = Standard value stipulated by an agency
samples were determined according to standard methods 𝐾 = Constant of proportionality, determined by:
1
(APHA, AWWA, & WEF, 2017). The elemental 𝐾 = ∑1 (4)
⁄𝑉
𝑠
concentrations (i.e. for Mg2+, Ca2+) in water samples were Furthermore, the index for each parameter tested was
determined by an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer calculated from the product 𝑊𝑛 𝑄𝑛 and summed up to obtain
AAS (Buck Scientific, VPG 210) following procedure as ∑ 𝑊𝑛 𝑄𝑛 from where, finally, the overall WQI was calculated
reported by David K. et al., (2011).
by aggregating the quality rating with the unit weight
linearly.
COMPUTATION OF WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI)
This study adopted the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality The rating and grading of water quality based on results
Index (WAWQI) method because of its flexibility, in that it obtained from the WAWQI method was done with reference
is suitable for use in assessing the quality for both to Table 2.
groundwaters and surface waters (Ingale & Jadhal, 2017). In Table 2: water quality rating as per WQI
as much as the geometric aggregation method developed by Water quality Water Quality status Grade
Brown et al (1973) was believed to be better than the index level
0-25 Excellent water Quality A
arithmetic aggregation because it was considered to be more
sensitive when a single variable exceeds the norm; it has its 26-50 Good water Quality B
disadvantage in that if the value of one of the variables is 51-75 Poor water Quality C
close to zero, whatever the weighting of the variables, the 76-100 Very poor water Quality D
WQI will tend to 0 (Kachroud, Trolard, Kefi, & Jebari, >100 Unsuitable for Drinking E
2019). Therefore, the WAWQI method has found more Source: (Brown et al, 1972; Chatterjee & Raziuddin, 2007;
application by researchers (Ahmad, 2014; Imneisi & Aydin, Imneisi & Aydin, 2016; Tyagi, Sharma, Singh, & Dobhal,
2016; Ingale & Jadhal, 2017; Oni & Fasakin, 2016; 2013)
Ranawat, Singh, Chourasiya, & Bhatnagar, 2017; Tripathi &
Shukla, 2017; Yogendra & Puttaiah, 2008). The method uses Table 3: Drinking water quality standards for selected
the most commonly measured water quality variables, such parameters according to WHO and NIS
as temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, Selected Recommending Standards Relative weight
biochemical oxygen demand, total phosphates, nitrates etc. Parameters Agency Wn
to classify the general water quality according to its degree Turbidity WHO 5.0 0.1931124
of purity. For this study, thirteen (13) important water
pH (mg/L) WHO 6.5-8.5 0.12069525
quality parameters were chosen and standards for drinking
TDS (mg/L) WHO/NIS 500 0.001931124
water quality as recommended by the World Health
Organization (WHO) (WHO, 2017) and Nigeria Industrial EC WHO 500 0.001931124
Standard (NIS) (SON, 2007) were adopted for reference TH (mg/L) WHO 500 0.001931124
(Table 2). The computation of the WQI, using WAWQI Mg (mg/L) NIS 20 0.0482781
method as proposed by Brown et al (1972) was implemented Ca (mg/L) WHO 75 0.01287416
using the following equations: Nitrates WHO/NIS 50 0.01931124
∑𝑊 𝑄
𝑊𝑄𝐼 = ∑ 𝑛 𝑛 (1) Sulphate NIS 100 0.00965562
𝑊𝑛
Phosphate WHO 5 0.1931124
𝑄𝑛 , the quality rating or sub index was calculated by:
100(𝑉𝑛−𝑉𝑖 ) Chloride WHO 250 0.003862248
𝑄𝑛 = (2) DO WHO >5 0.1931124
(𝑉𝑠 −𝑉𝑖 )
Where 𝑄𝑛 = Quality rating for the 𝑛𝑡ℎ water quality BOD WHO 5 0.1931124
parameter
𝑉𝑛 = Estimated value of the 𝑛𝑡ℎ parameter at a given sample RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
station The results of the physicochemical parameters for the
𝑉𝑠 = Standard permissible value for the 𝑛𝑡ℎ parameter different samples of borehole water, open well water and
𝑉𝑖 = Ideal value for the 𝑛𝑡ℎ parameter in pure water (𝑉𝑖 is river points obtained from Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa as
zero for all parameters except for pH and dissolved oxygen analyzed are presented in Tables 4 and 5 respectively. The
which are 7.0 and 14.6 mg/L respectively). WHO guidelines (WHO, 2017) and the NIS guidelines
(SON, 2007) were recognized and used as “recommending
For n water quality parameters, quality index or sub index agencies’ standard” in the water quality analysis and in the
𝑄𝑛 corresponding to 𝑛𝑡ℎ parameter is a number reflecting computations of the WQIs (Table 3).
the relative value of this parameter in the polluted water with
respect to its standard value.

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ANALYSIS OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETER Calcium, Ca+ (mg/l) 15.14 27.22 20.32

Temperature Nitrates, NO3- (mg/l) 5.37 11.13 9.24
All mean temperature values recorded for all the sources -
Sulphates, SO42 (mg/l) 100.21 240.80 191.48
sampled from both Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa locations
fall below the standard set for maximum permissible water Phosphate. PO43- (mg/l) 0.18 0.82 6.25
temperature by WHO based on palatability and aesthetic -
Chlorides, Cl (mg/l) 7.62 12.04 6.80
objectives (WHO, 2017). Mean temperature values
Dissolved Oxygen, DO (mg/l) 6.15 7.89 6.90
of 28.28℃, 27.40℃ and 28.00℃, were recorded for
borehole, open well and river points respectively at Biochemical Oxygen Demand,
0.15 1.45 2.67
BOD (mg/l)
Barama/Gipalma. Similarly, mean temperature values at
Lokuwa for borehole, open well and River Yedzeram were
recorded as 28.00℃, 27.95℃ and 28.05℃, respectively. Table 5: Mean values of water quality parameters from
Driscol (2002) reported that water temperatures generally Lokuwa and river Yedzaram
parameters Borehole Open- River
increase with the depth of wells. This fact explains why the well
temperatures of the boreholes were higher than those of the Temperature, Temp.(oC) 28.00 27.95 28.05
open wells which are characteristically shallower. Turbidity, Turb. (NTU) 1.82 8.52 13.89
Temperature has been reported to affect the physical,
chemical and biological nature of the water (Kale, 2016). pH 7.23 8.70 8.15
Saito, Hamamoto, Ueki, Ohkubo, & Moldrup (2017) Total Dissolved Solid, 242.66 448.48 548.91
reported that a temperature increase of 7℃ can be TDS (mg/l)
Electrical Conductivity, 432.22 591.02 620.30
responsible for changes in concentration of between 4% to EC (µS/ml)
31% in magnesium, potassium, sodium and other important Total Hardness, TH (mg/l) 96.82 182.03 177.69
parameters in groundwater. Significant impacts induced on
Magnesium, Mg (mg/l) 8.23 13.24 24.17
groundwater by increasing the temperature from 25.00℃,
through to 60.00℃ has also been reported by Bonte et al Calcium, Ca+ (mg/l) 9.84 21.76 21.65
(2013). They observed significant increase on pH, dissolved Nitrates, NO3- (mg/l) 6.59 12.95 11.44
organic carbon (DOC), As, B, and F; with no consistent -
Sulphates, SO42 (mg/l) 91.03 198.60 150.94
effects on Ca, Na, Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn and Mn.
Phosphate. PO43- (mg/l) 0.20 0.22 3.37

The rivers are seasonal and hence they experience Chlorides, Cl- (mg/l) 9.19 12.86 6.96
alternating flooding and droughts situations. Dissolved Oxygen, DO (mg/l) 6.76 7.85 6.88
Characteristically, flow rates in such rivers are usually high Biochemical Oxygen Demand,
0.16 0.88 2.65
and does not facilitate the effects of high water temperatures BOD (mg/l)
on the concentration of DO and the amount of dissolved
materials. The alternating flooding and droughts situations Turbidity
would however continually affect the water quality through Turbidity in water refers to its degree of cloudiness or
dilution or concentration of dissolved substances clarity. It relates to the ability of water to allow or impede
respectively (Khatri & Tyagi, 2015; Prathumratana, the penetration of light due to the scattering effect of
Sthiannopkao, & Kim, 2008; Tian et al., 2019; van Vliet & suspended particulate matter in the water. These suspended
Zwolsman, 2008). particulate matter may include clay, silt, fine organic and
The temperature values obtained in this study were reported inorganic matter, or microorganisms (Abba, Abubakar, &
in a similar study by Oyem et al (2014) and Meride & Bwade, 2016; World Health Organization, 2017). For
Ayenew (2016). Oyem et al., (2014) concluded that their groundwater supplies, if turbidity is greater than 1 NTU, it
values are consistent with temperatures prevailing and is important to determine whether there is a potential risk for
obtainable in the tropical belt. such water to cause health problems. Consequently,
groundwaters with a turbidity greater than 1 NTU should be
Table 4: Mean values of water quality parameters from sampled for bacteria and nitrate (World Health
Barama/Gipalma and river Mudzira Organization, 2017). The WHO standard for turbidity
parameters Borehole Open- River
well
concerning potability of water is a value of not more than 5
Temperature, Temp.(oC) 28.28 27.40 28.00 NTU. All boreholes samples analyzed for Barama/Gipalma
and Lokuwa were observed to fall below the permissible
Turbidity, Turb. (NTU) 3.36 6.72 13.75
maximum limit of 5 NTU (Tables 4 and 5). Barama/Gipalma
pH 7.76 8.20 7.88 boreholes recorded a mean turbidity of 3.36 NTU while
Total Dissolved Solid, 210.62 371.15 579.82 Lokuwa boreholes recorded a mean turbidity value of 1.82
TDS (mg/l) NTU. The mean turbidity values recorded for open wells in
Electrical Conductivity, 396.45 575.54 604.86 Barama/Giplama (6.72 NTU) and Lokuwa (8.52 NTU) and
EC (µS/ml) for Rivers Mudzira (13.75 NTU) and Yedzaram (13.89
Total Hardness, TH (mg/l) 101.55 159.90 159.26
NTU) did not meet the WHO/NIS standard for domestic
Magnesium, Mg (mg/l) 9.59 14.72 23.46 water supply. Results obtained for turbidity in groundwater
by this study is in agreement to Seli, Ankidawa, Ishaku, &

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Aminu (2019) and Yada, Lami, Usman, Bulama, & Zira wells samples recorded the highest mean values for pH with
(2017). the open wells in Barama/Gipalma recording pH of 8.20
while those in Lokuwa recorded pH of 8.70 (Fig. 2). The
pH results obtained in this study are in agreement to those
The pH of water is a measurement of the degree of acidity obtained by Alexander (2008), Ishaku et al (2012), Yusuf &
or alkalinity in the water; or a measure of the concentration Alkali (2018) and Seli et al. (2019).
of hydrogen ion in water. The pH of water has significant
impact on health and the environment. A pH of less than 6.5 Total Dissolved Solids
inhibits the human body from the intake of vitamins and The amount of solids present in a water body is an important
minerals and when it exceeds 8.5 the water becomes caustic indicator of pollution from both organic and inorganic
and irritating (Gupta, Pandey, & Hussain, 2017). The pH of contaminants. The higher the concentrations of solids in a
the water samples analyzed are as recorded in Tables 4 and given water the higher the degree of contamination
5. All results fall within the acceptable limits for pH irrespective of its source. Water containing high TDS is of
requirements as set by WHO. The mean pH for boreholes in inferior palatability and may produce unfavorable
Barama/Gipalma recorded 7.76 and that of boreholes in physiological reaction in the transient consumer (David K.
Lokuwa recorded 7.23; River Mudzira and Yedzaram et al., 2011; Kumar, Reddy, Jayaveera, & Pradesh, 2016) .
recorded 7.80 and 8.15 respectively. Meanwhile, the open

500
Concentration (mg/L) 600
Concentration (mg/L)

400

300 400

200
200
100

0 0
TH
EC
TDS

Ca

Cl
Temp

Mg
Turb

DO
NO3
SO4
PO4
pH

BOD
TDS

TH
EC
Turb

Ca
Temp

Mg

NO3
SO4

Cl
DO
pH

PO4

BOD

Parameters Parameters

Barama/G Lokuwa Barama/G Lokuwa

Fig. 1: Comparison of parameter concentration in borehole Fig. 2: Comparison of parameter concentration in

Samples from Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa open well samples from Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa

800
Concentration (mg/L)

600

400

200

Parameters

Barama/G Lokuwa

Fig. 3: Comparison of parameter concentration in river samples from Barama/Gipalma

(Mudzira) and Lokuwa (Yedzaram)

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Water with low TDS concentrations also tastes flat and Total Hardness
insipid and therefore may also be unsuitable for drinking Total hardness in water is primarily due to the excess of Ca,
(Howladar et al., 2017). At TDS levels above 300 mg/L taste Mg and Fe salts (Bairu, Tadesse, & Amare, 2013). It is an
and odor is amplified and TDS become noticeable to important water quality parameter whether the water is
consumers, and as the concentration increases, water intended for domestic, industrial or agricultural purpose.
becomes increasingly unacceptable. High levels of TDS Hard water has been linked to, in addition to impacts stated
may aesthetically be unsatisfactory for bathing and washing by Guillemant et al. (2000), have tendency to influence
(APHA et al., 2017). mortality, in particular, cardiovascular mortality in addition
to reproductive failure, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease
With reference to the results presented in Tables 4 and 5, the (Sengupta, 2013). Total hardness recorded for this study in
TDS values observed for the groundwater sources all fall all groundwater (boreholes and open wells) and surface
within the acceptable limits for both WHO and NIS water (rivers) all lie within the permissible limits of 500
standards of less or equal to 500 mg/L for domestic supply. mg/L (as CaCO3) as per WHO standards. These results are
However, samples from the open wells having TDS values consistent with similar studies conducted around Mubi
of 371.15 mg/L (Barama/Gipalma) and 448.48 mg/L (Alexander, 2008; Ishaku, Kaigama, & Onyeka, 2011).
(Lokuwa) ( Fig. 2) may not make the first choice for a
domestic supply source in the availability of alternatives due Magnesium and Calcium
to possible amplification of taste and odor. Both river The desirable limits for magnesium and calcium for drinking
samples did not meet the standard concentration allowable water is 20 mg/L and 75 mg/L respectively according to NIS
in domestic supplies as stipulated by both WHO and NIS. and WHO standards. Analyses on samples collected from all
Barama/Gipalma samples recorded mean TDS value of locations and from the three sources considered in this study
579.82 mg/L while Lokuwa samples recorded mean TDS reveal that all groundwater sources (boreholes and open
value of 548.91 mg/L. Oni & Fasakin (2016) reported wells) are acceptable for domestic use as per the standards
similar results for TDS in groundwater sampled in the concerned; while surface water samples failed for
vicinity of municipal wastes dumpsites in Ado Ekiti, magnesium in all locations but are acceptable for calcium in
Nigeria. Yada et al. (2017) reported very low values for TDS all locations (Tables 4 and 5). These values are consistent
in their study while Yusuf & Alkali (2018) reported values with those reported by Yada et al. (2017) for calcium and
greater than 1000 mg/L. Yusuf & Alkali (2018) attributed Yonnana, Yamta, Kaigama, & Bedeson (2017) for
the high TDS values to the impact of the heavy agricultural magnesium. Calcium rich water is recommendable for
activities taking place in the vicinity of the water they drinking several times a day because it has the capacity to
sampled. provide supplemental calcium and aids adequate hydration,
however, it has an inhibitory effect on parathyroid hormone
Electrical Conductivity secretion and bone resorption causing stunted growth
EC is a measure to the capacity of water to conduct electrical (Cotruvo J, Bartram J, 2009). Guillemant et al. (2000) and
current. Its value is directly proportional to the concentration Sengupta (2013) also reported on the ability of excess
of salts dissolved in the water and hence to the TDS (Meride calcium concentrations to retard growth. The presence of
& Ayenew, 2016). EC is also a function of the water calcium and magnesium in groundwater is linked to the
temperature, that is, the higher the temperature, the higher leaching of geologic materials such as limestone, dolomites,
the electrical conductivity would be. A temperature increase gypsum and anhydrites; although calcium ions are also
in a solution will cause a decrease in its viscosity with a derived from cation exchange process (Alaya, Saidi, Zemni,
consequent increase in the mobility of the ions in it (Barron & Zargouni, 2014).
& Ashton, 2007). Additionally, an increase in temperature
may also cause an increase in the number of ions in solution Nitrates
due to dissociation of molecules. Consequently, a The mean nitrate values for all samples were observed to
temperature rise of one degree Celsius in water may trigger meet the permissible limits of 50 mg/L set by WHO and NIS
a 2-3% increase in the EC of that water (Idiata, 2015). EC is (Tables 4 and 5). However, open wells samples recorded
closely related to the salinity in water and thus it is higher concentrations of nitrates (11.13 mg/L and 12.95
considered a good indicator of total salinity in water (Idiata, mg/L for Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa respectively). Such
2015; Rusydi, 2018). high concentration of nitrates in water is a cause for concern
With reference to Tables 4 and 5, EC values that are as a nitrate concentrations of 10 mg/L and above poses a
acceptable with respect to the WHO standard are for the health threat to infants (Sharma & Kaur, 2017). Ward et al.
boreholes in Barama/Giplama and Lokuwa. These sources (2018) reported that the risk of specific cancers (colorectal
recorded mean values of 396.45 mg/L and 432.22 mg/L cancer, bladder and breast cancers) and birth defects is
respectively. The open wells and the river points all recorded increased when nitrate is ingested under conditions that
mean values beyond the limit of acceptance as presented in increase formation of N-nitroso compounds. Conversely
Table 3. Interestingly, Yusuf & Alkali (2018) reported however, some recent scientific literatures indicate that high
similar values for EC. nitrates concentrations do actually have some beneficial
effects on human health even though it remains an
undesirable component because it is often accompanied by
more dangerous constituents such as microorganisms and

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pesticides (D’Alessandro et al., 2012; L’Hirondel & Phosphates do not have any significant impact on human
L’Hirondel Jean-Louis, 2001). High concentrations of health when they are naturally occurring in water however,
nitrate in water may indicate a possibility of anthropogenic digestive problems, muscle damage, problem with breathing
impacts such as usage of nitrogen based fertilizers, human- and kidney failure have been reported when high level of
animal bodily wastes, and disposal of wastes in proximity to phosphates are consumed in drinking water (Fadiran et al.,
the sampling locations (D’Alessandro et al., 2012). The 2008; Gupta et al., 2017; Nyamangara, Jeke, & Rurinda,
presence of nitrates in water samples is an indication of some 2013).
bacterial and other biological activities (Elahcene, El-Azim,
& Aidoud, 2019). This is the reason why World Health Chlorides
Organization (2017) advices sampling and investigation Chloride is one of the major constituents of natural water
into nitrates and bacteria as suspects for turbidity higher and one of the most important parameter in assessing the
than 1 NTU in groundwater. water quality (Yogendra & Puttaiah, 2008). Very high
concentrations of chlorides detected in water are commonly
Sulphates considered as important index of pollution and are therefore
High values of sulphates concentrations above the standard employed as tracers for groundwater contamination
of 100 mg/L (NIS) were observed for all locations and for (D’Alessandro et al., 2012; Mahato, Mahato, Karna, &
all sources of domestic supplies sampled except the Balmiki, 2018). This study recorded very low values for
boreholes in Lokuwa. Sulphates are naturally occurring in chloride concentrations that are far below the maximum
water due to leaching of gypsum, barite, epsom and the permissible concentration allowed by the WHO standard of
dissolution of salts of sulfuric acid (Elahcene et al., 2019; 250 mg/L. with reference to Table 4 and Fig 1, 2 and 3, it
Sharma & Kaur, 2017). High concentrations of sulphate may can be seen that the mean chloride concentrations recorded
result from the oxidation of pyrite and mine drainage and for boreholes, open wells and river points on River Mudzira
from human influences such as discharge of industrial are 7.62 mg/L, 12.04 mg/L and 6.80 mg/L respectively.
wastes and domestic sewage (Gulumbe, Aliyu, & Manga, Similarly for Lokuwa locations, boreholes, open wells and
2016). High concentrations of sulphate has been linked to river points on Yedzeram recorded chloride concentrations
some minor health concerns such as catharsis, dehydration of 9.19 mg/L, 12.86 mg/L and 6.96 mg/L respectively.
and gastrointestinal irritation (Gulumbe et al., 2016). Other Chloride concentrations in groundwater may result from
health concerns raised by high concentrations of sulphate as saline water intrusion, application of deicers, agricultural
reportedly found in literature by Sharma & Kaur (2017) activities, domestic wastewater, industrial chemical, landfill
include: renal failure and hyperthyroidism. leachates etc. (Batabyal & Chakraborty, 2015; Ishaku,
2011). Considering results presented in Table 4 and 5, for
Phosphates both locations, the concentrations of chloride was higher in
Surface waters and groundwaters become contaminated the open wells than those in the rivers. These values may be
from both natural and anthropogenic sources of phosphates. as a result of pollution from anthropogenic sources like
Natural sources of phosphorus in both surface and agricultural chemicals, or leachates from pit latrines situated
groundwater include atmospheric deposition, natural approximately to the open wells (Mahato et al., 2018). The
decomposition of rocks and minerals, weathering of soluble relatively lower concentrations of chloride in the river
inorganic materials, decaying biomass, runoff, and samples may be due to dilution effect (Nyamangara et al.,
sedimentation. Anthropogenic sources include; fertilizers, 2013). Yusuf & Alkali (2018) carried out a study on
wastewater and septic system effluent, animal wastes, groundwater variation across a space in Mubi and obtained
detergents, industrial discharge, phosphate mining, drinking chloride concentrations in the groundwater in the range of 2
water treatment, forest fires, synthetic material development mg/L to 27 mg/L.
surface (Fadiran, Dlamini, & Mavuso, 2008; Nemati
Varnosfaderany, Mirghaffary, Ebrahimi, & Soffianian, Dissolved Oxygen and Biochemical Oxygen Demand
2009). Phosphate is sorbed strongly onto solid phases, Results obtained for DO for all samples and from all sources
including Fe and Al oxides in soils, and P concentrations in for all locations were above the minimum required DO
recharging groundwater generally do not reflect the large concentrations in drinking water as set by WHO. Similarly,
amounts of P applied to agricultural fields (Böhlke, 2002). the results obtained for BOD for all samples analyzed fall
Borehole and open wells samples from Barama/Gipalma below the maximum permissible limit stipulated by WHO.
analyzed for phosphate recorded concentrations of 0.18 However, considering the results presented in Tables 4 and
mg/L and 0.82 mg/L respectively. Both values are far below 5 and illustrated in Fig 2 and 3, it can be seen that the mean
the maximum permissible concentration of 5 mg/L concentrations of DO in open wells from both
prescribed by the WHO standard. On the other hand, the Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa (7.89 mg/L and 7.85 mg/L
mean value obtained for the River Mudzira was 6.25 mg/L, respectively) are higher than the DO concentrations in
exceeding the maximum permissible limit for phosphate in Rivers Mudzira and Yedzaram (6.90 mg/L and 6.88 mg/L)
drinking water as stipulated by the WHO standard. All even though surface waters are prone to more oxygenation.
samples analyzed for Lokuwa locations meet the standard of BOD is a function of the amount of organic matter present
less than 5 mg/L concentration of phosphate. The mean in a particular water environment. Hence the value of BOD
values are 0.20 mg/L, 0.22 mg/L and 3.37 mg/L for is an indication of the amount of oxygen required by
borehole, open wells and River Yedzaram respectively. microorganisms present in the water environment to

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decompose the organic matter in it. Consequently, a higher

BOD value would indicate a higher amount of polluting The results obtained for the WQI from the different sources
biodegradables in water which invariably would require are as presented in Tables 6 to 11 and summarized in Fig. 4.
higher amounts of DO for its stabilization. On the other Similarly, the water quality and the grades for all locations
hand, low levels of BOD will indicate low levels of are summarized in Table 12.
biodegradable materials and hence higher amounts of DO
may be available in the water environment. This may explain The results of WQIs computed for the borehole sources
the inverse relationship exhibited in the values for DO and showed that on average, boreholes waters from the two
BOD (Fig 2 and 3) for the open wells sources and the river locations (Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa) are of good
sources. The mean BOD values recorded were 1.45 mg/L for quality. The values obtained fall within the range of WQI
open wells in Barama/Gipalma and 0.88 mg/L for open wells level of 26-50 and grade B (Table 2); describing drinking
in Lokuwa. DO values were 7.89 mg/L and 7.85 mg/L for water of good quality. However, boreholes from Lokuwa
open wells in Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa respectively. have a better quality rating (WQI=31) than Barama
Similarly, the results obtained for the surface waters are: (WQI=45) with reference to Figure 4. This result may be
BOD: 2.67 and 2.65 mg/L for river samples in attributed to the higher values recorded in samples from
Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa respectively; DO: 6.90 and Barama/Gipalma for Turbidity, TH, 𝑀𝑔2+ , pH, 𝐶𝑎2+ and
6.88 mg/L for the respective locations. 𝑆𝑂42− over Lokuwa samples as illustrated in Fig. 1.

WATER QUALITY INDEX For the open wells samples, results obtained from the
This study considered 13 important water quality parameters computation of the WQIs were 70 and 78 for
to establish the water quality index for the sources and Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa respectively.
locations sampled within Mubi. These parameters were
selected to reflect the common activities around the study
area and the possible pollution indicators from such.
Parameters include: Turbidity, pH, TDS, EC, TH, Mg, Ca,
Nitrates, Sulphates, Phosphate, Chlorides, DO and BOD.
Table 6: computed WQI for borehole from Barama/Gipalma
BARAMA/GIPALMA BOREHOLE WATER WQI
Parameters Observed Vn Standard Sn Ideal value Vio Quality rating Qn Unit weight Wn QnWn
Turb.(NTU) 3.36 5 0 67.2 0.1931124 12.97715
pH 7.76 8 7 76 0.12069525 9.172839
TDS (mg/l) 210.62 500 0 42.124 0.00193112 0.081347
EC (µS/ml) 396.45 500 0 79.29 0.00193112 0.153119
TH (mg/l) 101.55 500 0 20.31 0.00193112 0.039221
Mg (mg/l) 9.59 20 0 47.95 0.0482781 2.314935
Ca (mg/l) 15.14 75 0 20.1866667 0.01287416 0.259886
NO3 (mg/l) 5.37 50 0 10.74 0.01931124 0.207403
SO4 (mg/l) 100.21 100 0 100.21 0.00965562 0.96759
PO4 (mg/L) 0.18 5 0 3.6 0.1931124 0.695205
Cl- (mg/l) 7.62 250 0 3.048 0.00386225 0.011772
DO (mg/l) 6.15 5 14.6 88.0208333 0.1931124 16.99791
BOD (mg/l) 0.15 5 0 3 0.1931124 0.579337
ƩWn=0.99291959 ƩQnWn=44.45772
WQI = ƩQnWn/ ƩWn = 44.45772/0.99291959 = 44.77474

Table 7: computed WQI for open wells from Barama/Gipalma

BARAMA/GIPALMA OPEN-WELL WATER WQI
Parameters Observed VnStandard Sn Ideal value Vio Quality rating Qn Unit weight Wn QnWn
Turb.(NTU) 6.72 5 0 134.4 0.1931124 25.95431
pH 8.2 8 7 120 0.12069525 14.48343
TDS (mg/l) 371.15 500 0 74.23 0.00193112 0.143347
EC (µS/ml) 575.54 500 0 115.108 0.00193112 0.222288
TH (mg/l) 159.9 500 0 31.98 0.00193112 0.061757
Mg (mg/l) 14.72 20 0 73.6 0.0482781 3.553268
Ca (mg/l) 27.22 75 0 36.29333 0.01287416 0.467246
NO3 (mg/l) 11.13 50 0 22.26 0.01931124 0.429868
SO4 (mg/l) 240.8 100 0 240.8 0.00965562 2.325073
PO4 (mg/L) 0.82 5 0 16.4 0.1931124 3.167043
Cl (mg/l) 12.04 250 0 4.816 0.00386225 0.018601
DO (mg/l) 7.89 5 14.6 69.8958333 0.1931124 13.49775
BOD (mg/l) 1.45 5 0 29 0.1931124 5.60026
ƩWn=0.99291959 ƩQnWn=69.92424
WQI = Ʃ QnWn/ ƩWn = 69.92424/0.99291959 = 70.42286

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Table 8: computed WQI for river Mudzira passing adjacent Barama/Gipalma

RIVER MUDZIRA WATER WQI
Parameters Observed Vn Standard Sn Ideal value Vio Quality rating Qn Unit weight Wn QnWn
Turb.(NTU) 13.75 5 0 275 0.1931124 53.10591
pH 7.88 8 7 88 0.1206953 10.62118
TDS (mg/l) 579.82 500 0 115.964 0.0019311 0.223941
EC (µS/ml) 604.86 500 0 120.972 0.0019311 0.233612
TH (mg/l) 159.26 500 0 31.852 0.0019311 0.06151
Mg (mg/l) 23.46 20 0 117.3 0.0482781 5.663021
Ca (mg/l) 20.32 75 0 27.09333 0.0128742 0.348804
NO3 (mg/l) 9.24 50 0 18.48 0.0193112 0.356872
SO4 (mg/l) 191.48 100 0 191.48 0.0096556 1.848858
PO4 (mg/L) 6.25 5 0 125 0.1931124 24.13905
Cl (mg/l) 6.8 250 0 2.72 0.0038622 0.010505
DO (mg/l) 6.9 5 14.6 80.20833 0.1931124 15.48922
BOD (mg/l) 2.67 5 0 53.4 0.1931124 10.3122
ƩWn=0.9929196 ƩQnWn=122.4147
WQI = Ʃ QnWn/ ƩWn = 122.4147/0.99291959 = 123.2876

Table 9: computed WQI for borehole from Lokuwa

LOKUWA BOREHOLE WATER WQI
Parameters Observed Vn Standard Sn Ideal value Vio Quality rating Qn Unit weight Wn QnWn
Turb.(NTU) 1.82 5 0 36.4 0.193112 7.029291
pH 7.23 8 7 23 0.120695 2.775991
TDS (mg/l) 242.66 500 0 48.532 0.001931 0.093721
EC (µS/ml) 432.22 500 0 86.444 0.001931 0.166934
TH (mg/l) 96.82 500 0 19.364 0.001931 0.037394
Mg (mg/l) 8.23 20 0 41.15 0.048278 1.986644
Ca (mg/l) 9.84 75 0 13.12 0.012874 0.168909
NO3 (mg/l) 6.59 50 0 13.18 0.019311 0.254522
SO4 (mg/l) 91.03 100 0 91.03 0.009656 0.878951
PO4 (mg/L) 0.2 5 0 4 0.193112 0.77245
Cl (mg/l) 9.19 250 0 3.676 0.003862 0.014198
DO (mg/l) 6.76 5 14.6 81.66667 0.193112 15.77085
BOD (mg/l) 0.16 5 0 3.2 0.193112 0.61796
ƩWn=0.992920 ƩQnWn=30.56781
WQI = Ʃ QnWn/ ƩWn = 30.56781/0.99291959 = 30.78579

Table 10: computed WQI for open wells from Lokuwa

LOKUWA OPEN-WELL WATER WQI
Parameters Observed Vn Standard Sn Ideal value Vio Quality rating Qn Unit weight Wn QnWn
Turb.(NTU) 8.52 5 0 170.4 0.1931124 32.90635
pH 8.7 8 7 170 0.12069525 20.51819
TDS (mg/l) 448.48 500 0 89.696 0.001931124 0.173214
EC (µS/ml) 591.02 500 0 118.204 0.001931124 0.228267
TH (mg/l) 182.03 500 0 36.406 0.001931124 0.070305
Mg (mg/l) 13.24 20 0 66.2 0.0482781 3.19601
Ca (mg/l) 21.76 75 0 29.01333333 0.01287416 0.373522
NO3 (mg/l) 12.95 50 0 25.9 0.01931124 0.500161
SO4 (mg/l) 198.6 100 0 198.6 0.00965562 1.917606
PO4 (mg/L) 0.22 5 0 4.4 0.1931124 0.849695
Cl (mg/l) 12.86 250 0 5.144 0.003862248 0.019867
DO (mg/l) 7.85 5 14.6 70.3125 0.1931124 13.57822
BOD (mg/l) 0.88 5 0 17.6 0.1931124 3.398778
ƩWn=0.99291959 ƩQnWn=77.73019
WQI = ƩQnWn/ ƩWn = 77.73019/0.99291959= 78.28447

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Table 11: computed WQI for river Yedzaram passing by Lokuwa

RIVER YEDZERAM WATER WQI
Parameters Observed Vn Standard Sn Ideal value Vio Quality rating Qn Unit weight Wn QnWn
Turb.(NTU) 13.89 5 0 277.8 0.1931124 53.64662
pH 8.15 8 7 115 0.12069525 13.87995
TDS (mg/l) 548.91 500 0 109.782 0.001931124 0.212003
EC (µS/ml) 620.3 500 0 124.06 0.001931124 0.239575
TH (mg/l) 177.69 500 0 35.538 0.001931124 0.068628
Mg (mg/l) 24.17 20 0 120.85 0.0482781 5.834408
Ca (mg/l) 21.65 75 0 28.86666667 0.01287416 0.371634
NO3 (mg/l) 11.44 50 0 22.88 0.01931124 0.441841
SO4 (mg/l) 150.94 100 0 150.94 0.00965562 1.457419
PO4 (mg/L) 3.37 5 0 67.4 0.1931124 13.01578
Cl (mg/l) 6.96 250 0 2.784 0.003862248 0.010752
DO (mg/l) 6.88 5 14.6 80.41666667 0.1931124 15.52946
BOD (mg/l) 2.65 5 0 53 0.1931124 10.23496
ƩWn=0.99291959 ƩQnWn=114.943

WQI = ƩQnWn/ ƩWn = 114.943/0.99291959= 115.7627

123

116
78
70
45

31

BBH BOW BRP LBH LOW LRP

BARAMA/G LOKUWA

Fig. 4: Summary of WQI for all sources and locations

Table 12: Summary of computed WQIs for CONCLUSION

Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa The quality and suitability of some domestic water supply
Location Sample WQI Water Quality Status Grade sources in Mubi North were determined through
Type physicochemical analysis and WQI computations.
Barama/ BBH 45 Good water Quality B
Gipalma Physicochemical analysis showed that the pH, TH, Calcium,
BOW 70 Poor water Quality C Nitrates, chloride, DO, and BOD for all samples from all
BRP 123 Unsuitable for Drinking E sources in both Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa met the limits
Lokuwa LBH 31 Good water Quality B of acceptability by WHO and NIS. Turbidity and EC failed
LOW 78 Very poor water Quality D
LRP 116 Unsuitable for Drinking E for open wells and river points in all locations, while TDS
and magnesium met the standards in boreholes and open
These results fall within the ranges of 51-75 and 76-100 for wells but failed in all river samples. Phosphate values as
Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa respectively. These therefore analyzed were all within permissible limit for all samples
describe that the water quality statuses for Barama/Gipalma except river Mudzira which recorded a mean of 6.25 mg/L
and Lokuwa are: “Poor water quality (grade C)” and “very as against the 5 mg/L stipulated by WHO. The
poor water quality (grade D)” respectively. The high concentrations of sulphates in all samples failed the
concentrations for 𝐶𝑙 − , 𝑁𝑂3− , pH, Turbidity, TDS, EC and maximum permissible value stipulated by NIS except for the
TH could be responsible for the the higher WQI obtained for borehole in Barama/Gipalma.
the open wells in Lokuwa as seen from Fig. 2. Based on the WQI computations, the water quality and
WQIs results obtained for the river points sampled from the suitability of sources based on the WAWQI are: ‘’good
river Yedzaram along its reach within Lokuwa (WQI=123) water quality” for BBH and LBH both having grade B;
and River Mudzira within its reach along Barama/Gipalma ‘’poor water quality’’ for BOW grade C; ‘’very poor water
(WQI=116) indicate that the river reaches considered are quality’’ for LOW grade D; and ‘’unsuitable for drinking’’
having waters unsuitable for drinking purpose. The river grade E for both river points. Even though most of the
points for both Barama/Gipalma and Lokuwa have a grading parameters tested were found to fall within permissible
of E, the least possible for WAWQI method. limits of concentrations based on the standards agencies

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adopted, however, the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality (. Int. j. Anim. Fish. Sci, 2(1), 14–21.
Index computations as summarized on Table 12 and [14] Böhlke, J. (2002). Groundwater recharge and agricultural
illustrated on Fig. 4 indicate on average a poor water quality contamination. Hydrogeology Journal, 10, 153–179.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-001-0183-3
status for the study area. This outcome is understandably
[15] Bonte, M., van Breukelen, B. M., & Stuyfzand, P. J. (2013).
possible since the combined effects of the tested parameters
Temperature-induced impacts on groundwater quality and
were taken into consideration by the WQI model employed. arsenic mobility in anoxic aquifer sediments used for both
drinking water and shallow geothermal energy production.
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