The research assessed the spatial and source variations in groundwater quality in different locations and wells respectively across Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area. The study area was divided into 10 by imposing a grid on its map and thereafter 10 hand dug wells and boreholes were selected, one from each location. Physical and chemical parameters like temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and heavy metals were tested in the laboratory and figures statistically compared with Nigeria’s national standard using ANOVA. The most notable difference in quality parameters between open wells and boreholes is in TDSs, electrical conductivity and chlorine content. The differences recorded in the other quality parameters ranged from between 0.0026 mg/l (in the case of lead) to 0.7°C (in the case of Temperature). This showed that the physio-chemical properties of open wells and boreholes are not much significantly different in the areas. The mean difference of TDSs between wells and boreholes in Dawakin-Tofa LGA is 35.721 mg/l, meaning that well waters are generally more turbid than that of boreholes which was not unexpected because of structural differences and modes of operation. While some quality parameters in Dawakin Tofa like TDSs, Electrical Conductivity, Temperature, Chlorine and Manganese content generally recorded non-harmful values as compared to the drinking standard; others like lead, chromium, cadmium recorded harmful values. Only Jalli (with above 300) and Tattarawa (with above 400) mg/l recorded TDS levels close to the maximum accepted limit of 500. This study further confirms the increased danger and risk of contaminated groundwater among consumer’s not only urban areas, but also in rural areas as well. Though, the levels of some elements like Sodium, Chlorine, Manganese and Magnesium in groundwater of Dawakin-Tofa LGA are currently within the National Acceptable limits, but the concentration of heavy metals clearly shows there is serious risk. Continuous monitoring, control and necessary policy decisions were recommended.

The study aims to look at the relationship between environmental quality and financial instability in Nigerian over the period of 1970 to 2019 respectively. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model is used in estimating the short-run as well as the long-run relationship between financial instability and the quality of the environment. The results of the study reveal that financial instability has a significant and positive impact on CO2 emissions, implying that financial instability is lowering the quality of environment in Nigeria. In addition, consistency and strength are verified by the application of numerous tests of diagnostic. The research introduces new insights that would not only be of benefit in advancing prevailing research but may also be of specific concern to policymakers in the financial sector of the country and its starring role in enhancing the quality of the environment. The results recommend that to prevent financial instability and its effect on environmental degradation in the light of policy consequences, financial sector reforms should be implemented with great caution. Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the existing literature as the first research consideringNigeria that establishes the Aggregate Financial Stability Index (AFSI) to investigate the relationship between financial stability and environmental quality. The AFSI is made up of sub-indices that measure the development, vulnerability, and soundness of the financial sector. INTRODUCTIONDevelopment initiatives in the modern age are targeted at achieving environmentally sustainable economic growth rather than accruing and concentrating solely on growth. A clear correlation between economic activities and their adverse effects on environmental standards prevails in the current literature, and there is agreement among scholars that economic activities promote environmental degradation (Ahmad, Khan, Ur Rahman, & Khan, 2018). Many advanced and developing economies are making comprehensive efforts to resolve the issue of high CO2 emissions.

Water is the second most important compound after air for the sustenance of life on our planet. It is the most abundant molecule in living cells, essential for the proper functioning of cells. It is one of the cheap vehicles that transport gastro-intestinal diseases. Therefore, water for human consumption must be free from chemical substances and microbes that may cause disease in man. This study was carried out to determine bacteriological quality of water sold in jerry cans within Katsina metropolis. Twenty different water samples (Five each from Kofar kaura, Kofar marusa, Dakitara and Filin polo) were collected and transported to the laboratory for analyses. Temperature and pH values of each sample were measured accordingly. The samples were subjected to aerobic mesophilic bacterial count, Coliform count and detection of Escherichia coli. The result showed temperature values in the range of 23oC to 26oCwhile pH measurements were in the range of 6.9 to 7.3. Samples from Kofar kaura, Kofar marusa, Daki tara and Filin polo had mean bacterial counts of1.718×106 , 1.052×106 , 2.042×106 and 1.612×106colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) respectively, and mean coliform counts of 25.2, 122.6, 77 and 128 CFU/mL respectively. All samples from all the sampling points contained E. coli. The study stresses the need for environmental and personal hygiene by all water vendors. It is, however, recommended that water retailing by truck pushers be monitored and regulated to avoid the risk of a pointsource epidemic. Key words: coliforms, water quality, bacteriological quality, water vendors, Katsina