Water is vital for all living organisms. As a universal solvent, it is the most prevalent component in both plant and animal tissues, as well as in our environment (Fabio et al., 2009). Approximately 97.2% of the Earth's water is saline, with only 2.8% being freshwater. Of this freshwater, around 20% is groundwater (Goel, 2000). Water and water resources are crucial for ensuring a sufficient food supply and a healthy environment for all living organisms. As human populations and economies expand, the global demand for freshwater has been rising quickly. Besides endangering the human food supply, water shortages greatly diminish biodiversity in both aquatic and land ecosystems (Permented D et al., 2004). Substantial challenges already exist in distributing the world's freshwater resources equitably both between and within nations. (Fermented D et al 2004) Reports indicate that water consumption has increased sevenfold over the past century (Sahin BA 2016)

Water is crucial for sustaining human, animal, and plant life, but when contaminated, it has a significant potential to spread various diseases and illnesses. In developed countries, water-related diseases are rare due to efficient water supply and wastewater disposal systems. However, this is not the case in developing countries, where over 200 million people still lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation. (Joshua W.K 2015).Water resources are chemically polluted by industrialization, the use of pesticides in agriculture, and the indiscriminate use of chemicals in both agriculture and industry. Major chemical pollutants include agricultural runoff, disinfection practices, improper industrial procedures, leachate from underground storage tanks, mining activities, chemical waste, and corrosive waters.(Sipani et al., 2016)) For water to be safely drinkable, it should be clear, contain adequate oxygen, and have essential minerals.

Globally, groundwater is the largest and most crucial source of fresh, drinkable water (Howard, 1997). However, it is often susceptible to pollution, which can compromise its quality. Near the surface of the earth, in the zone of aeration, soil pore spaces contain both air and water. These zones, which may have a zero thickness in swamp lands and several hundred feet thick in mountainous regions, contain three types of moisture. Gravity waters are in transit after a storm through small pore space by capillary action and are available for plant up-take. Hydroscopic moisture is water held in place by molecular forces during all seasons except the driest climatic conditions. Moisture from the zone of aeration cannot be tapped as a water supply source. The zone of saturation offers water in a quantity that is directly available. In this zone, located below the zone of aeration, the pores are filled with water, and this is considered as ground water (Vesilind and Pierce, 1983). Ground water is highly valued because of certain properties that are not possessed by surface water. It is usually characterized by low contents of organic substances and as such usually preferred as a source of drinking water (Goel, 2000).

In rural Africa, pit latrines significantly threaten the microbial quality of groundwater, while septic systems introduce bacteria. Additionally, pesticides and fertilizers that seep into agricultural soils can eventually contaminate water from boreholes and wells (Bello et al., 2013).Groundwater quality varies widely depending on location and can be influenced by seasonal changes, soil types, and the nature of the rocks and surfaces through which it travels (Lobina Palamuleni, 2015). Naturally occurring contaminants in rocks and sediments can dissolve into groundwater, resulting in high concentrations of metals like iron and manganese. Additionally, human activities can alter groundwater composition by introducing chemicals and microbial matter into soils or directly into groundwater (Lobina Palamuleni, 2015).

Pollution poses a significant environmental threat, Urbanization, industrialization, and population growth are the primary factors driving the need to explore groundwater resources for domestic and industrial uses, beyond the reliance on surface water (Dan Hassan et al., 1991).potentially devaluing groundwater resources, with its effects becoming increasingly widespread. Therefore, assessing groundwater quality is crucial in both developing and developed countries.

1.2 Statement of research problem

Water is a vital resource necessary for the survival and growth of humans, animals, and plants. However, the quality of water is increasingly compromised by human activities. Surface water sources, like rivers and lakes, are highly susceptible to pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and urbanization, resulting in severe contamination issues. Similarly, groundwater, although naturally filtered through soil and rock layers, is not immune to pollution. Contaminants can leach into groundwater from surface pollutants, improper waste disposal, and agricultural practices, leading to a decline in groundwater quality.

In Gwaram Local Government, the dependence on groundwater (handpumps, borehole and well) for drinking, agriculture, and other household purposes underscores the urgent need for regular water quality assessments to prevent outbreaks of water-related diseases that can have adverse health effects and hinder sustainable development.

1.3 Research question

1. What are the current levels of physical, chemical, and biological contaminants of underground water sources in Gwaram Town?

2. How do the concentrations of various parameters in the groundwater differ from the permissible limits set by the WHO?

1.4 Aim and objectives

Aim

The main aim of this research is to assess the quality of groundwater in Gwaram town, Jigawa state.

Objectives

1. To examine the physicochemical and bacteriological load present in groundwater.

2. To compare the level of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters obtained from the analysis with the standard values (WHO, NSDWQ)

1.6 Scope

This study will evaluate physicochemical parameters, some selected heavy metals and two biological parameters, including pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, nitrite, nitrate, sulfide, ammonia, phosphorus, as well as bacteriological parameters like total coliform and E. coli. Groundwater quality was assessed across six different wards in Gwaram town. Samples from these areas has been collected and analyzed for physicochemical, heavy metals and bacteriological properties, but only for one season due to time constraints.

1.7 Significance

 The results of this study will provide baseline information on groundwater quality for the selected parameters in the study area. It will determine the level of groundwater contamination in Gwaram and provide data indicating whether these levels are within permissible limits. This will benefit the community by preventing waterborne disease outbreaks. Additionally, the research will suggest sustainable practices to reduce groundwater pollution in areas with high contamination levels. It will benefit local, state, and federal governments by generating baseline data for further studies and interventions, policy formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, particularly concerning groundwater quality for both domestic and commercial use in the area.

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