International Journal of Life Science and Agriculture Research

Groundwater serves as the primary source of potable water for domestic and commercial activities in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. However, seasonal fluctuations, anthropogenic activities, agricultural practices, and natural geochemical processes may influence its quality and suitability for human consumption. This study assessed the seasonal variation in groundwater quality of selected boreholes in Bori during the wet and dry seasons. Five functional boreholes were purposively selected, and groundwater samples were collected during both seasons following standard sampling procedures. Physicochemical parameters including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, calcium, and magnesium were analysed using standard analytical methods, while selected heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, and Cu) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and compared with the World Health Organisation (WHO) drinking water standards. The results showed that the mean pH decreased slightly from 6.81 ± 0.24 during the wet season to 6.54 ± 0.18 during the dry season but remained within the WHO permissible range of 6.5–8.5. Electrical conductivity increased from 245 ± 28 µS/cm during the wet season to 318 ± 35 µS/cm in the dry season, while total dissolved solids increased from 168 ± 19 mg/L to 215 ± 26 mg/L, indicating higher mineralisation during the dry season. Turbidity decreased from 4.6 ± 0.8 NTU during the wet season to 2.8 ± 0.4 NTU in the dry season. Chloride concentrations increased from 29 mg/L to 38 mg/L, sulphate from 20 mg/L to 26 mg/L, nitrate from 8 mg/L to 12 mg/L, calcium from 30 mg/L to 35 mg/L, and magnesium from 13 mg/L to 18 mg/L, with all values remaining below WHO permissible limits. Iron concentration increased from 0.28 mg/L during the wet season to 0.41 mg/L during the dry season, slightly exceeding the WHO guideline value of 0.30 mg/L, whereas lead (0.005–0.009 mg/L), zinc (0.42–0.60 mg/L), and copper (0.15–0.19 mg/L) remained within acceptable limits. The Water Quality Index (WQI) ranged from 38 to 48, classifying the groundwater as excellent to good for drinking purposes. The study concluded that groundwater quality in Bori is generally suitable for domestic consumption despite noticeable seasonal variations. The dry season was characterised by increased concentrations of dissolved ions and iron due to reduced groundwater recharge and increased water-rock interaction, whereas the wet season recorded relatively higher turbidity as a result of surface runoff. Continuous groundwater quality monitoring, proper borehole maintenance, and implementation of groundwater protection measures are recommended to ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water in the study area.

Groundwater quality, Seasonal variation, Borehole water, Physicochemical parameters, Heavy metals, Water Quality Index, Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State.

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