Underground water quality of rock mining in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis of underground water of Crush Rock mining pit in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State Nigeria were carried out to determine the pollution level and the potability of the groundwater due to mining and human activities. The results were compared with standards for water pollution and World Health Organization for drinking water. The results showed that total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity, calcium and sodium, which had concentration ranges of 126-986ppm, 200.18-615.55ppm, 7.8- 30.10ppm and 64-88ppm respectively, were above standards. However, the mean concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) (1.2-3.20ppm) was below the standard. Other parameters measured were found to be within the permissible acceptable standard. Pseudomonas, Chromabacterium, Bacillius, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Flavobacterium, Micrococcus, Citrobacter, and Achromobacter species were identified as the major bacteria isolated from the underground water. The study revealed that the underground water from Crush Rock mining pit in Ishiagu Ebonyi State, Nigeria require some chemical and physical treatment as it is unsafe for human consumption.

Description

The article title was also translated in French. It also has tables

Keywords

Underground water, potability, pollution, bacteria, Department of Biotechnology

Citation

Obiekezie, S. O., Okereke, J. N., Anyalogbu, E., Okorondu, S. F. & Ezejiofor, T. I. N. (2006). Underground water quality of rock mining in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Estudos de Biologia 28(63), 61 – 71.