MJSTEM

Abstract

Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for many communities in Nigeria, yet rapid urbanisation and unregulated human activities increasingly threaten its quality. This study compares the physicochemical characteristics of groundwater in urban Lafia and the surrounding rural community of Agunji in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Ten groundwater samples were collected from boreholes and hand-dug wells, five from each location, and analysed for parameters including temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, acidity, and mineral content using standard laboratory methods. Welch’s two-sample t-test at a 95% confidence level was used to determine whether significant differences existed between rural and urban groundwater quality. Most parameters complied with the limits set by the Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality and the World Health Organization. Statistically significant differences were observed in temperature, turbidity, and acidity. Rural groundwater showed higher turbidity and temperature, while urban groundwater recorded higher acidity levels. No significant differences were found in pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, or alkalinity. Although groundwater quality in both areas was generally suitable for domestic use, slightly acidic pH and elevated turbidity in rural samples suggest the need for targeted treatment. The findings highlight the impact of urbanisation on groundwater quality and the value of inferential statistical methods. Continuous monitoring and proper water management are recommended to protect public health and ensure sustainable groundwater use.

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