Investigation of Groundwater Pollution in Selected Areas of Uromi, Esan North East Localgovernment Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

We investigation groundwater pollution in Ivue, Idumoza, Egbele, beside Zaki’s palace Eguare and Uje-oro Eguare in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The SAS 300B ABEM Terrameter was utilized for data acquisition using the Schlumberger electrode configuration and IP2Win computer iteration programmes for data interpretation. We also investigate the chemical properties for the hand dug well in the area. The selected chemical Properties examined where pH, TDS, TSS, conductivity, Hardness, Turbidity, Colour, Alkalinity, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper and Nitrogen Oxide. The experimental results obtained in the area under study show a depth of 36.90 meters, 37.10meters, 92.60meters, 69.01meters and 15.93meters respectively. At a maximum penetration of 69.01meters, a perched aquifer was encountered. Groundwater samples taken from hand dug wells were subjected to physical and chemical analyses. The results of the laboratory analyses revealed evidence of pollution from physical and chemical sources. These were evidence from high nitrate in Egbele (3.20mg/L), beside Zaki’s palace (4.44mg/L) and low pH in Uje-oro in Eguare (5.86) which were not within the ecological benchmark of (0.3mg/L) and (6.5-8.5) recommended by the WHO drinking water standard respectively. It was established that wells were polluted in areas nearer to farmlands than areas further away from them due to high concentration of Nitrogen Oxide based fertilizers used by farmers. To mitigate the high level of Nitrate and pH concentration in boreholes and hand dug wells to fall within the acceptable limits of WHO drinking water standards, pH correction (addition of sodium carbonate) and boreholes / hand dug wells should be sited far away from the farm lands were Nitrogen based fertilizers are used and also sanitation units.