Assessment of the Concentrations of Some Anions in Bolehole Water in Yola South Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

An investigation study was carried out to determine the concentrations of anions of borehole water in Yola South Local Government Area. of Adamawa State. Eighteen water samples were collected within the six wards selected. Anionic parameters were determined using standard methods. The results obtained showed variation of the parameters in samples as follows; Nitrate (NO3 2- ) 29.80 ± 0.01- 81.50±0.01mg/L. Bicarbonate (HCO3 - ) 57.00± 0.01 - 339.00 ± 0.01 mg/ L. Chloride (Cl- ) 99.50± 0.01- 411.00 ± 0.03mg/L. Sulphate (SO4 2- ) 21.00 ± 0.02- 45.50 ± 0.02mg/L. Phosphate (PO3 4- ) 0.40 ± 0.01- 0.80 ± 0.01mg/L. The values recorded for bicarbonate and phosphates were within the WHO permissible limits for drinking water. Sulphate content in the entire sample was below the WHO standards. However, values obtained for chloride were higher than the WHO standard. The concentration of most of the investigated parameters in the drinking water samples from the selected wards were either below, within and above the permissible limits of the World Health Organization drinking water guidelines. Hence it is an indication of health risk to the inhabitants of the communities.