Hydrochemical Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Its Environs, Southeastern Nigeria
- 1
- 2
- 3
Abstract
This article presents results of groundwater quality assessment based on some pollution indicators (pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and turbidity) carried out in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Twelve functional boreholes within the university campus and its environs were sampled and analyzed using the standard laboratory techniques. The results showed that the groundwater in the area was acidic with an average pH value of 5.47, which falls below the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. The results also showed high turbidity values ranging from 86.10 to 90. 17 NTU which exceeds the WHO standard. The waters have moderate to high values of total dissolved solids, TDS (100.00 to 900.00 mg/L), total suspended solids, TSS (100.00 to 1200.00 mg/L) and conductivity (66.67 to 600.03 µs/cm). Recommendations include periodic groundwater monitoring and treatment.
- A. O. Akankpo and M. U. Igboekwe, “Monitoring Ground- water Contamination Using Surface Electrical Resistivity and Geochemical Methods,” Journal of Water Resource and Protection, Vol. 3, No. 5, 2011, pp. 318-324. doi:10.4236/jwarp.2011.35040
- J. A. Baswinkel, “Information Note,” International Ground- water Resources Assessment Center (IGRAC), Nether- lands Institute of Applied Geosciences, Netherlands, 2000.
- C. C. Asonye, N. P. Okolie, E. E. Okenwa and U. G. Iwu- anyawu, “Some Physio-Chemical Characteristics and Hea- vy Metal Profiles of Nigerian Rivers, Streams and Wet- lands,” African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 6, No. 5, 2000, pp. 617-624.
- United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), “Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-3),” Nairobi, 2002, p. 43.
- J. O. Etu-Efeotor, “Hydrochemical Analysis Surface and Groundwater of Gwagwalada Area of Central Nigeria,” Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, Vol. 4, No. 2, 1998, pp. 153-162.
- C. N. Nwankwo and M. U. Igboekwe, “The Mineral Ef- fects of Sedimentary Layers on Groundwater in Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria,” The IUP Journal of Environ- mental Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2011, pp. 20-27.
- M. Zamxaka, G. Pironcheva and N. Muyima, “Microbiological and Physico-Chemical Assessment of the Quali- ty of Domestic Water Sources in Selected Rural Commu- nities of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa,” Water SA, Vol. 30, No. 30, 2004, pp. 333-339.
- World Health Organization (WHO), “International Drinking Water Standards,” 3rd Edition, WHO, Geneva, 2007.
- M. U. Igboekwe, E. E. Okwueze and C. S. Okereke, “De- lineation of Potential Aquifer Zones from Geoelectric Soundings I KWAIBO River Watershed, Southeastern, Nigeria,” Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Vol.1, No. 4, 2006, pp. 410-421.
- B. O. Nuga and G. E. Akinmola, “Soil Survey Informa- tion for Sustainable Agriculture in Ikwuanu Local Government Area Abia State S64th East Nigeria,” Second RUFORUM Biennial Meeting, Entebbe, 20-24 September 2010, pp. 555-557.
- R. E. White, “Spatial Variability of Shallow Groundwater Levels, Electrical Conductivity and Nitrate Concentration and Risk Assessment of Nitrate Contamination in North China Plain,” Environmental International Journal, Vol. 31, No. 16, 2005, pp. 896-903.
- Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), “Qua- lity of Domestic Water Supplies—Vol. 1 Assessment Guide,” Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pre- toria, 1998.