Groundwater Quality Suitability Using Indices for Industrial and Domestic Purposes in Oredo LGA of Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater is a vital resource for industrial and domestic purposes, particularly in regions where surface water is scarce. Its suitability, however, is often compromised by corrosion and anthropogenic activities, which reduce industrial efficiency and pose risks to infrastructure and public health. Although physicochemical parameters provide valuable insights into groundwater quality, they do not capture all aspects of suitability. To address this limitation, water quality indices were applied to integrate multiple parameters into a single measure of suitability for industrial and domestic purposes. Borehole samples were collected and tested for pH, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Bicarbonate (HCO3 - ), Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Potassium (K+ ), Sodium (Na+ ), Chloride (Cl- ), Nitrite (NO2 - ), Nitrate (NO3 - ), Sulfate (SO4 2- ), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Ammonium Nitrogen (NH4N), and Coliforms. The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) indicated a high tendency toward corrosion due to groundwater acidity, rendering it unsuitable for industrial applications. In contrast, the Water Quality Index (WQI) classified the groundwater as suitable for drinking and other domestic uses, though potential threats from anthropogenic activities were evident. These findings highlight the dual nature of groundwater suitability: acceptable for domestic consumption but problematic for industrial use. Regular monitoring, treatment, and management strategies are recommended to mitigate corrosion risks and safeguard public health.