Seasonal Variation in Iron in Rural Groundwater of Benue State, Middle Belt, Nigeria

Abstract

Effect of changes in season visa vise rural groundwater quality variability with respect to iron is examined in this study. Water samples were collected from 26 rural community boreholes and analyzed for iron concentrations as it affects the quality of water for drinking in line with WHO drinking water standards for both rainy and dry seasons. The analyses was carried out as prescribed according to standard method of examination of water. The result of analyses show 35% of the boreholes have elevated iron concentrations above WHO guide limit for rainy season as against that of the dry season which is only 7.7% of the boreholes. Iron concentrations in the boreholes were noted to be higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The source of iron in groundwater may be attributed to dissolution of iron minerals from rock and soils, corrosion effect of galvanized hand pump components and land use activities. Agencies involved in rural water supply must ensure the safety of the groundwater being harnessed for use. This study demonstrate the need for groundwater quality management at the rural level because once polluted is very expensive to remedy.