Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, H: Environment & Earth Science, Volume 23 Issue 2

banks where there is little or no anthropogenic activity), B (midstream where usually people fetch water, bath and do washing) and C (lower stream where the water enters into the dam) were selected for sampling and over which samples were taken once every month for three consecutive months within the period of 4 th De- cember, 2023 to 4 th February, 2023. The samples were analyzed at the Water Re- search Institute laboratory in Tamale to determine some physic-chemical and biological parameters. The follow- ing water quality parameters were analyzed: tempera- ture, colour, pH, hardness, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), turbidity, electrical con- ductivity, total alkalinity, iron (II), using standard me- thods. Presumptive test using lactose broth was per- formed for water samples to detect the presence of bac- teria. b) Sample Collection Water samples were collected using 1.5 L Voltic plastic bottles. The containers were cleaned thoroughly with water and soap, sterilized with ethanol and rinsed with distilled water. The glass containers were washed by soaking in aqua regia (3 parts conc. HCI and 1 part HNO3) and rinsed with tap water and finally with distilled water. Samples were collected between the hours of 9 am and 10 pm. This was to ensure that the water. Sam- pling protocols were strictly adhered to during sample collection. The sample containers were rinsed with some of the dam water and then completely filled to capacity leaving no air space and immediately covered. For bac- teriological analysis, Sampling bottles and culture tubes were immediately corked and neatly labeled. The envi- ronmental sanitation conditions around the dam were taken into consideration by careful observation of sur- rounding at least 50 m away. The human activity around the dam as well as the underlying topography was noted.Water samples were transported to the laboratory in an ice chest and stored in a refrigerator at 4 ℃ upon arrival. The dam water quality analysis was focused on bacteriological (Total coliforms and faecal coliforms) and physicochemical (temperature, pH, turbidity, total dis- solved solids (TDS) dissolved oxygen (DO), total hard- ness and alkalinity) parameters [27]. c) Laboratory Analysis The work bench was sterilized with about 70% alcohol to kill any bacteria. Glasses were also sterilized in hot air oven for about two hours 160 ℃ while media other rubber materials were autoclaved at 120 ℃ for 15 minutes, cups of plastic samples were slightly loosened to prevent distortion. d) Physicochemical Analysis The temperature was simply determined using the CO150 conductivity/TDS portable meter while mea- suring other parameters like conductivity and TDS. The procedure was repeated for the other samples two more times and the average temperature value of each sam- ple was recorded. The pH values of the various samples were de- termined using the pH colour Comparator. The colour comparator had two special test tubes of which one was filled with about 50mL deionized water while the other filled with about 50mL aliquot of the sample. The appro- priate indicator (either Bromothymol blue or Thymol blue) was then used in two drops added to the sample depending on the pH range. These were then inserted into the comparator and the disc rotated until a standard colour corresponding to the pH of the sample was read on the disc by comparing the colour match with the blank. The readings were recorded for the sample. The procedure was repeated for the other samples and their pH values recorded. 10mL of each sample was measured into 250 mL conical flask and 2.0 mL of ammonium chloride buf- fer solution (pH=10) added to each followed by the ad- dition of a few drops of Eriochrome Black-T indicator solution. The resulting solution was titrated with 0.01M EDTA solution with continuous stirring/swirling until the endpoint was reached. The endpoint is when the last reddish tinge disappears. The colour change obtained was blue black. The procedure was repeated three times for each sample and the average titre value was calculated. The appropriate calculations were made to obtain the actual value for total hardness mg/L as Ca- CO 3 . This procedure was repeated for all the samples collected [28]. III. C alculations Total hardness in mg/L CaCO 3 = A×B×1000 /Sample volume used (mL) Where A= mL of titrant and B= mg CaCO 3 equivalent to 1 mL EDTA titrant Similarly, 10mL of each sample was measured into 250 mL conical flask and 2.0 mL of NaOH buffer solution added to each followed by the addition of about 30mg of Murexide (Ammonium perpurate) indicator crystals. The resulting solution was titrated with 0.01m EDTA solution with continuous stirring/swirling until the endpoint was reached. The colour change obtained was from pink to purple. The procedure was repeated three times for each sample and the average titre value was calculated. The appropriate calculations were made to obtain the actual value for calcium hardness mg/L as CaCO 3 . This procedure was repeated for all the samples collected. Calculations: Total hardness in mg/L CaCO 3 = A×B×1000/Sample volume used (mL) Where A= mL of titrant and B= mg CaCO 3 equivalent to 1 mL EDTA titrant 1 Year 2023 79 © 2023 Global Journals Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Volume XXIII Issue ersion I VII ( H ) Assessment of Water Quality of the Nalerigu Dam in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region of Ghana