Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater Around Osogbo Central Dumpsite, Onibu-Eja, Osun State

Groundwater sources around Oshogbo central dumpsite in Osun state, Nigeria, have been evaluated with the aim of detecting possible influence of dumpsites on nearby aquifers and suitability for domestic use. The site covers an area of 79 200m2 with an undulating surface. Being part of Ilesha Schist Belt, the major rock types in the area include amphibolites, pegmatites and quartzites. Preliminary tests were conducted on the water samples to determine some parameters, such as PH, Oxidation-reduction potential, Conductivity, Total Dissolve Solids, (TDS), E. Coli, etc, as investigative markers. To detect the presence of Heavy Metals and other parameters, there was random collection of a total of thirty (30) samples of leachates/water, using sterilized bottles. At dried areas, soil samples were collected and distilled water was introduced to extract leachates. The samples were then tested for the following heavy metal pollutants: Cadmium, Iron, Lead, Mercury, Zinc, Chromium, Nickel, Arsenic, Copper, and Cobalt. An appraisal of the results using World Health Organization (WHO’s) and National Standards for Drinking water Quality proved among others, the presence of Mercury, Cadmium, Iron, Arsenic, and high level of Lead contamination. There were also exceeding values of Cadmium in most samples, except in a few others where it was totally absent. Mercury had exceeding values in few samples and absent in the rest of the samples. Heavy metals pollution has harmful effects on the Biological system, via bio-accumulation, and cannot undergo biodegradation. Therefore appropriate remedial treatment is required for the groundwater in the study area since most of the heavy metals in the samples are above the WHO’s and National standards. Keywords: Heavy Metals, Biodegradation, Pollutants, WHO DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-12-04 Publication date: December 31st 202

Paleoenvironmental Analysis of Sandstone Deposits within ESUT Agbani Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria, using Pebble Morphometry and Textural Analysis

Pebble morphometric and textural analysis were carried out on the sandstone deposits within the Agbani Campus of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in an attempt to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of deposition. The area has four major lithological units which include: Coarse Sandstone, Medium Sandstone, Clayey Shale and Very Fine to Fine Sandstone. A total of ninety fresh Quartz pebbles (fifteen each from six locations) were collected for Pebble analysis and five sandstone samples were collected for sieve analysis. Morphometric parameters such as size, flatness ratio, elongation ratio, maximum projection sphericity, form geometry and oblate index were computed. Bivariate scattergrams of roundness versus oblate-prolate index were also plotted.Results show that the coefficient of flatness for the area range from 45.76 to 226.6    while mean values of sphericity and oblate prolate index ranges from 0.061 to 7.615 and 0.746 to 18.872 respectively. These values suggest fluvial origin for the pebbles. Scatter plots of coefficient of flatness versus sphericity and sphericity versus oblate-prolate index suggests that the pebbles were formed in a fluvial environment. Bivariate plots of sand-textural parameters such as simple skewness against simple standard deviation also suggest that the sediments are more of a fluvial and partly shallow marine environment. The widespread of Orphiomopha, Skolitus and Rhizocolarium in the area supports the idea of a near shore depositional environment. Keywords: Pebble Morphometry, Paleoenvironment, Coefficient of Flatness, Oblate-prolate Index, Roundnes

Evaluation of 2d Electrical Resistivity Imaging and Self- Potential Anomalies over Agbani Sandstone, Southern Benue Trough: Implication for Sulphide Ore Enrichment

The evaluation of 2D electrical resistivity imaging and self potential anomalies over Agbani Sandstone has been carried out. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible/lateral extent of rock types, mineralization potential and their implication for sulphide ore enrichment. Data was acquired using the versatile ohmega resistivity meter, employing wenner configuration and the direct measurement method. Data set were analysed using the Res2dinv and Excel tool kits. Interpretation was basically qualitative. Based on the 2D electrical resistivity interpretation, Agbani sandstone is laterally limited in extent with fractures/joints, while the mineralization potential is high as the result of the high negative sp anomalies. The negative sp value range is -100mV to -500mV. This is practically indicative of a sulphide ore bodies- possibly Pyrite (FeS2). Possible sulphide ore enrichment model is by gravity flow. The fractures/joints are possible ore enrichment zones. However, stream sediments analysis and rock geochemical studies are recommended. Keywords:2D resistivity, Self potential, Mineralization potential, Pyrite, enrichment zone, Agbani sandstone

Gully and Flooding in Anambra State: the Way Forward

In Anambra state, there are more than 1,000 gully erosion sites out of which 600 are active. The state is inundated with flooding and blockage of major and minor drainages flood channels as a result of improper planning and design over the years. These have been identified as the major causes of the environmental woes of the study area. Flooding and gully erosion menace has reached crisis level in the state. From the perspective of domestic, social and economic life, the state accommodates over 6 million people daily as it houses one of the largest conglomerations of markets in Africa with intense commercial activities in every nooks and crannies. These activities contribute to drainage channels being blocked with solid wastes which lead to the flooding of street and highways during the rains. This result is uncontrolled flood water movement which has often resulted to gully erosions. This paper assesses the causative factors and proffers mitigation/abatement solution to the flooding and gully erosion menace in the state. Keywords: Flooding, Gully erosion, Drainage system, Anthropogenic factor