Hydrochemical Evaluations and Public Health Implications of Borehole Water in an Internally Displaced Persons Camp, Maiduguri, Nigeria

This study evaluated seasonal differences in physicochemical parameters and the Water Quality Index (WQI) of borehole water used by IDPs in the FTC Camp, Maiduguri, during the wet and dry seasons to determine its suitability for consumption. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data. Water samples were collected from 4 boreholes at the FTC camp 3 times in the wet and dry seasons. During the wet and dry seasons, temperature, colour, pH, turbidity, major and trace metals, and dissolved constituents were determined using standard analytical procedures. Important parameters such as pH, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, NO₂⁻, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, F⁻, and Zn²⁺ were weighted according to the 2007 Nigerian Industrial Standards for Water Quality. High weights were assigned to trace ions and nutrients due to their potential toxicity. The concentrations of the parameters were described by season using descriptive statistics. IDPs are mainly female, young, and less educated, with large household sizes. These attributes outline the key weaknesses that need to be addressed with a humanitarian focus. Some important parameters include temperature: 21.60°C (wet season), 25.03°C (dry season); pH 6.95-7.26; TDS 101.00-219.75 mg/l; and trace metals, all within the acceptable range. All the physicochemical parameters had seasonal changes. The WQI values were 26.30 (wet season) and 31.65 (dry season), indicating that the water is not suitable for domestic use, as reported in past literature for some areas of Maiduguri. The physicochemical findings suggest that the borehole water is basically safe for consumption. The WQI is poor, implying that the vulnerable IDPs could be at risk. It is strongly advised to regularly monitor, provide treatment, and include health risk assessment (HQ, HI, HPI) to protect public health.