ABSTRACT

Abstract

The Physicochemical properties of drinking water from different sources in Lagos state, Nigeria were determined with a view of comparing the effects of level of Industrialization, population density and urbanization on the water quality in the centre of Lagos and off town of Lagos (Ikorodu LGA, a relatively less Industrialized and less Urbanized town of Lagos state) as a case study. The different sources of drinking water considered were wells, boreholes, surface water and tap water. In each of Lagos and Ikorodu; Seven wells, boreholes and tap water for Lagos since no surface water is drinkable; Seven wells, boreholes and the only identifiable drinkable stream for Ikorodu, were collected from different areas randomly and composited together to obtain a total of six (6) representative samples; - three (3) for Lagos centre and three (3) for Ikorodu in all. The physiochemical parameters analysed were pH, Temperature, Turbidity, Conductivity, Total Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Hardness, Total alkalinity, Total acidity, Chloride, Sulphate, and Nitrate using standard procedures.The results reveal the heavy impact of Industrialization, Population density and Urbanization on drinking water sources in Lagos state as a whole which could result in adverse health hazards but with more implications on central Lagos. Bar charts were used to present the mean data for Lagos centre and Ikorodu in comparison with the permissible limits for all the Parameters. Regular monitoring of the drinking water sources especially underground water which is the only dependable source is necessary. Adequate treatment of the water before use in order to reduce or avoid water borne diseases is also recommended.