Biochemical Evaluation of Water Quality for Human Consumption in Rural Communities of Yobe State

Access to safe drinking water in rural communities of Yobe State is a persistent public health challenge, and biochemical evaluation of water sources provides essential evidence for targeting water quality interventions in the most affected communities. This study professionally evaluates the biochemical and chemical water quality of drinking water sources across twelve rural communities in Potiskum, Geidam, and Nguru LGAs, Yobe State. Water samples from wells, boreholes, hand pumps, and surface sources were collected in sterile containers and analysed within six hours of collection. Physical parameters including pH, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature were measured on-site. Chemical parameters including nitrates, nitrites, sulphates, fluoride, total hardness, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen were determined by standard spectrophotometric, titrimetric, and electrode methods. Heavy metals including lead, arsenic, cadmium, iron, and manganese were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results show that 67 percent of surface water sources and 23 percent of open wells exceeded WHO guideline values for nitrate, indicating significant agricultural and sanitation contamination. Fluoride concentration exceeded the WHO maximum of 1.5 milligrams per litre in borehole water from six of the twelve communities, representing a dental and skeletal fluorosis risk. Lead concentrations exceeded WHO limits in 31 percent of tested sources. Borehole and hand pump sources generally showed better overall quality than surface and well water but were not uniformly safe. The study provides an evidence base for targeted water quality improvement priorities in Yobe State. Keywords: water quality, drinking water, heavy metals, fluoride, Yobe State.