Physiochemical Parameters and Water Quality Index (WQI) of Ashaka Quarry and Environs, Bajoga LGA, Gombe State, Nigeria

Physical and chemical characteristics of water are important parameters to be considered in water quality index. The study aimed to evaluate the physiochemical parameters and water quality of Ashaka quarry and Environs, Gombe State for domestic and industrial uses. To achieve these objectives, 15 water samples were randomly collected within and outside the quarry and taken to the laboratory for analysis to determine the concentration of the chemical elements. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to determine the concentration of the elements. Physical parameters determined were Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH and Temperature which were instantly measured in the field with electronic digital meters. Results of the physicochemical parameters showed that temperature was 26.5 ºC, pH 7.46, EC 387µs/cm, Calcium 8.83mg/l, Magnesium 7.51mg/l, Sodium 5.93mg/l, Potassium 5.66mg/l, Chloride 1.86mg/l, Sulphate 0.87mg/l and bicarbonate 15.09mg/l. Likewise, for the pollution index, Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index procedure (WAWQI) was adopted due to its versatility and simplicity in the computation. Water Quality Index (WQI) obtained from the study area was 67.37 meaning the water is poor, unfit for drinking which require proper treatment before consumption but can be used for irrigation and industrial applications. Moreover, two categories of the pollution levels were obtained which were samples (SW1 – SW9, GW10, GW11 and GW12) categorized as “grade C†with status described as poor water quality and water samples GW13, GW14 and GW15 categorized as “grade D†described as very poor water, unsuitable for drinking unless proper treatment is done. Descriptive statistics was used to interpret the results of the analysis. Proper monitoring is paramount to safeguard human health.