Earth Sciences Pakistan (ESP)

Water is crucial for human survival, food production, and economic growth. However, many poor nations, including Nigeria, lack access to potable water. Untreated natural sources, such as ponds, rivers, and streams, are the only viable source for domestic use. In Oboguru, a community in Delta State, rainwater harvesting is not possible due to acid rain. The only viable option of water supply is through boreholes which have high iron content. This study is aimed to enhance Borehole water quality in rural areas with simple treatment methods. The treatment plant consists of a multiple-tray aeration tower in a hopper-shaped sedimentation tank constructed to provide a chamber of undisturbed body of water allowing for sedimentation. Draw off of the clear water from the sedimentation tank is by a 100mm diameter pipe that takes the water by gravity to a containerized rapid gravity filter. The filter media consists of graded sand, gravel, and activated carbon for effective iron removal. The filtered water flows by gravity into the 4.5 m3-capacity clear-water/chemical contact ground tank of steel construction. Filter backwashing is accomplished by 45 m3 of treated water in the elevated tank. The results revealed that the removal of iron content of 3.5mg/l was 100%. while the maximum removal of CO2 was 77.4%. The Water Quality Index (WQI) of the treated water improved from 514.74 to 23.28 indicating excellent water quality. With decreases in acidity, hardness, turbidity, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids, there is evidence that aeration, sedimentation, and filtration have greatly enhanced the water’s quality. This low-cost treatment method has achieved better water quality that is safe and free from contamination