Quality Assessment of Water Potability in Aguobiri Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Fifteen (15) water samples were collected from boreholes, pond water and rivers located at different points in Aguobiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The samples were then analysed for physico-chemical parameters, bacteriological (coliform), heavy metals and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Content (TPC) in order to determine their concentrations in the rivers, ponds and borehole water.Results obtained from the analysis were compared with standards of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). The results indicate that Pb²⁺, TPC, Cd²⁺, Fe²⁺, coliform, hardness and Ni²⁺ are above the recommended value for any drinking water in some locations. However, pH, TDS, TSS, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, SO₄^2-, PO₄^3-, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr²⁺ and Cl^- values are within the permissible limit. But most of the heavy metals and TPC exceeded the threshold value. Consequently there is need for a holistic and sustainable monitoring and treatment of water before drinking in the area, particularly the river water. Public health appears to be threatened in the area as the water is unsafe, not potable as toxic substances may be absorbed through oral ingestion which then bio-accumulate in the tissues of man.