Comparative Analysis of Groundwater Quality in Urban and Rural Setting

ABSTRACT
This study conducted a comparative analysis of groundwater quality in urban (Lagos) and rural (Iree, Osun State) settings by evaluating both physicochemical and microbiological parameters and comparing them with the standards set by the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for safe drinking water. Groundwater samples were collected from boreholes and wells across urban and rural areas and analyzed for a range of parameters, including pH, turbidity, total hardness, nitrate nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, and microbial contamination. The findings revealed that while many physicochemical parameters in borehole and well water samples complied with the WHO and NIS standards, deviations were observed in urban areas. Turbidity, magnesium hardness, and nitrate nitrogen levels in urban boreholes and wells were higher than acceptable limits, indicating potential risks associated with contamination and poor urban waste management. Bacteriological analysis showed that coliform bacteria were more prevalent in urban borehole and well samples compared to rural ones, pointing to higher contamination risks in urban settings. The microbiological analysis further confirmed that urban water supplies had higher levels of coliform contamination, as evidenced by growth on testing media such as MacConkey Agar and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar. Rural water samples exhibited minimal microbial presence, suggesting better water quality and lower contamination risk. These findings indicate that urban groundwater is vulnerable to contamination due to poor waste management, human activity, and inadequate infrastructure, while rural water sources generally maintained better quality and lower contamination levels. The study emphasizes the need for regular monitoring, improved sanitation, proper waste management, and the implementation of water treatment strategies in urban areas to mitigate these risks.This study provides a basis for policymakers, researchers, and public health officials to address challenges associated with groundwater contamination and ensure equitable access to clean, safe drinking water.
Keywords: Urban, water, contamination, rural, groundwater, analysis, quality, samples, parameters