Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part A (2025)

Ten sources of groundwater of Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev, Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria, covering 5 boreholes and 5 shallow wells were analysed for 21 physico-chemical parameters and coliforms using standard methods. The data obtained from the analysis were subjected to a two-tailed T-Test and showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The concentrations of the parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. The contamination of iron above the WHO permissible level of 0.30 mg/L was recorded in 7 out of 10 water resources. Manganese was detected in only three shallow wells with SW2 having a value of 0.0972 mg/L above the WHO permissible level of 0.05 mg/L. Lead was detected in only two (2) shallow well water resources with SW2 having a value of 0.0936 mg/L which is above the WHO permissible level of 0.05 mg/L. Only SW2 had an estimated total coliform value of 2 MPN index/100 mL and faecal/them tolerant coliform value of 1 MPN index/100 mL above the WHO limit. SW2 poses a health risk as it is the only water source that is contaminated with Fe, Mn, Pb, total and thermo tolerant coliforms above the WHO permissible levels. SW2 is uncovered and without a stage and wall head, making it liable to seepage of run-off water. The estimated Water Quality Index (WQI) for the borehole water (BH) was 32 and shallow well water (SW) was 48, showing excellent water quality for both, though, based on the values, the quality of BH is better.