Impact of Septic Tanks on Groundwater in Tunga, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Soak-away contains high level of organic matter, however high concentration of this organic matter will definitely have an impact on underground water quality and it can be hazardous to human health. The paper examines the impact of septic tank on groundwater quality in Tunga area of Minna, Niger State. It identifies the physio-chemical and bacteriological quality of the ground water sample obtained from groundwater sources within the study area. It determines the distance septic tank can be from wells and examine the level of contamination in ground water that septic tank contributes to the water table within the study area. It determines the distance septic tank can be from wells and examine the level of contamination in ground water that septic tank contributes to the water tablefixed points the study area. Water samples were collected taken to laboratory for test. Questionnaire were distributed to respondent in the sample’s areas, response collected were subjected to statistical analysis. The result shows that Cobalt were within the range of 0.01mg/L to 0.23mg/L as indicated in A1 to A5 of the study. This study revealed that majority of the water samples have traces of Cobalt which can cause paralysis in human system. The findings revealed A3 ranked the highest with Lead value of 0.101mg/l, A5 ranked second with Lead value of 0.032mg/L and the least was A1 with Lead value of 0.002mg/L. This Lead presence can lead to damage to the brain and nervous system; it also slow growth and development of human system when consumed in drinking water. The finding also shows that Total Coliform was present in the water samples and the details revealed that A4 ranked the highest with 16cfu/ml, A5 ranked second with 13cfu/ml and A1 ranked the least with 1cfu/ml. This revealed that all the groundwater source require treatment before it can be safe for drinking. This was also the result shown on E.Coli in the study which revealed the presence of E.Coli (9cfu/ml - 34 cfu/ml) in all the groundwater samples collected in the study area. The finding revealed that all the physio-chemical and bacteriological quality of the water samples collected and analyzed from all the locations tested for, are contaminated, having traces of total and faecal coliform counts greater than zero as against the WHO (2003), and NSDWQ (2006) standards for drinking water quality. The study concludes that there was relationship between distance from groundwater source to septic tank and the quality of groundwater in Tunga. It thereby recommends that partners dealing with environmental management issues such as; Niger State Environmental Management Agency should work together each time projects that involve groundwater development and onsite wastewater treatment are to be implemented.