Corrosion Potentials of Natural Waters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Twenty five water samples drawn from boreholes, hand-dug wells and streams from Abakaliki Metroplex of Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria were analysised for major element chemistry. Data relevant to the determination of carbonate equilibra was then used to determine the corrosion potential of the waters with respect to the Langelier Saturation Indices (LSI) and Ryznar Stability Indices (RSI). The results showed that the range LSI values from -1.9 to 0.72 while the RSI values are from 7.3 to 11.0.  CaCO₃² hardness for the waters ranged from 191mg/L to 631mg/L thus indicating very hard water. The LSI values indicated water that is undersaturated with respect to calcite.  It also showed that the waters are aggressive.  The RSI values showed that the waters are not only agressive but likely to cause intolerable  corrosion.  The implication for the study area will be in the area of borehole and plumbling failures in houses and industries. This highly reactive and corrosive water may also attack concrete works.

Keywords: Abakaliki; Langelier Saturation Index; Ryznar Stability index; Corrosive; hardness.