Surface and Ground Water Pollution in Abata Ogun Agricultural Wetland

Abstract

An assessment of the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer application on Abata Ogun agricultural wetland was carried out in this study. Sampling were taken from stream and wells during the raining and dry seasons. Samples were subjected to analyses of major cations and anions, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand and bacteriological parameters such as E-Coli. In addition pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity were also determined.Cation concentration was in the range of 0.40-19.20mg/l with calcium recording a high value of 19.20mg/l. This is an indication of hardness of water. Low dissolved oxygen exists in the range of 7.20 to 12.80mg/l. Higher values of C.O.D 112.60mg/l when compared with values of B.O.D 74.90mg/l is an indication that activities of microbial organisms are prominent. E-coli values for surface and ground water is high (1.2 x 10⁴?sm^-1), an indication that the water is not fit for domestic use. Electrical conductivity was high in the range of 37 to 92 cfuml^-1. The stream flowing through the wetland has a discharge of 0.3m³/s and a flow velocity of 1.3 m/s and deposits sediment load along the stream. High values of PO₄ in well water 4.37 mg/l is an indication that leaching occurs.The study highlight the much needed awareness on the part of local residents, farmers and environmental health authorities to curb dangers inherent in consumption of contaminated ground water and to encourage bio-fortified farming.

Keywords: pollution, water quality, Abata Ogun Agricultural wetland.