Studies on environmental impact assessment of wastewater pit in Izombe flow station, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract Three (3) wells were sunk with a hand -operated light cable percussion rig to maximum depth of 15.00 to 21.00m. The static water levels recorded after drilling for each well were 8.00m for borehole 1 (BH 1), 4.40m for BH 2, and 5.00m for BH 3. The soil stratigraphy reveals a uniform correlation in the three (3) boreholes of medium to very coarse grained sand and gravelly sand. The lower layers are coarser, so that there appears to be a downward coarseness of the grains. There is also a downward decrease in the shade of brownish colour. In BH 1, there is an upper stratum of dark brown, medium grained, friable sand to a depth of about 9.00m. This is underlain by light brown, very coarse grained, gravelly sand. BH 2 and BH3 display similar profiles of overlying dark brown, medium grained, friable sands of about 3.0m in thickness. This is followed by light brown, coarse grained sands to depths of about 15.00m. Light brown, very coarse grained, gravelly sands extend from this depth to the maximum drilled depth of 21.00m. Results also reveal that the soil is non-plastic and fall within the soil classification group of SP under the Unified Soil Classification System. Permeability tests of the samples are moderately high values as expected for the sandy soils and range from 7.83 x 10 -1 cm/s to 8.92 x 10 -1 cm/s. The hydraulic gradient between BH 1 and BH 3 is about 6% or 1m in 16m (1:16) while that between BH 1 and BH 2 is about 7% or 1m in 14m (1:14). Since the hydraulic gradient between BH 1 and BH 2 is slightly higher, more rapid effluent discharge is expected towards BH 1. This may explain the higher concentration of crude oil contamination of the groundwater, particularly within the region of the waste pit

Assessing potential contaminants in groundwater in a typical open refuse dumpsite in Eneka, Obio/Akpor, Rivers state, Nigeria

This study assesses the potential contaminants in a refuse dump. Standard sampling and analytical methods were followed. The results revealed that the groundwater is generally acidic with pH values varying between 4.01 to 6.01 in the boreholes around the dumpsite and basic in the boreholes away from the dumpsite. The mean pH value of 4.6 recorded in the dumpsite area is below the stipulated World Health Organization (WHO) pH tolerance range of 7 to 8.5 for potable water. The total dissolved solids (TDS) values obtained in groundwater varied from 601.5mg/l to 622.5mg/l and a significant attenuation of TDS concentrations in all wells could be observed down gradient of the waste dumpsite. The measured values of sulphate and nitrate in groundwater were below the WHO – stipulated value for each of the anion for potable water. The measured values of iron and lead in the groundwater samples were above WHO tolerance levels for drinking water in the boreholes around the dumpsite. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measured values fell above the WHO tolerance levels of 0mg/l for potable water. The high level of BOD is indicative of pollution. The physico-chemical parameters of the groundwater samples from the waste dumpsite are below WHO tolerance limit of potability. The local groundwater flow direction is southeast in the two waste dumpsites. It is recommended that regular monitoring of the quality of water be carried out.Key words: Groundwater Quality, Contaminants, Boreholes, Dumpsites, Eneka, Rivers Stat

www.ijcrar.com Geotechnical Evaluation of Subsoil for Foundation Design Considerations in

geo-technical, lithology, foundation, Okochiri The study establishes the sub-soil types and profile to ascertain the geotechnical characteristics of the underlying soils in Okochiri, Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria for appropriate foundation design considerations in the area. Borings were accomplished using a percussion rig with the aid of augers. Representative samples were analyzed in the laboratory in accordance with relevant geotechnical engineering standards. The study revealed that the topsoil is underlain by firm clay of moderate compressibility with Cu: 56-64KN/m 2 (about 10m thick). Underneath this layer, is loose sandy layer with phi =28-29 o (thickness 8m) overlying a poorly sorted medium dense sand layer with Phi between 30 0 to 35 0. The drainage characteristics of the sub-soils are low. The allowable bearing capacity profile of the sub-surface shows moderate bearing Capacity characteristics (1.5m:120KN/m 2). Settlement predictions based on a loading of 300KN/m 2 indicated a settlement of < 100mm. Pile foundation is therefore recommended for consideration. This study therefore, has provided valuable data that can be used for foundation design and construction of future civil engineering structures in the study area

Application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems on Water Resources Management

 Water is a primary source of life and is required in sufficient quantity and acceptable quality to sustain all human activities such as domestic, agricultural and industrial needs. This requirement however, is hardly fulfilled due to various natural and anthropogenic activities. Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are useful in hydrological research and applications. Remote sensing observations enable improved characterization of the land surface which are relevant in hydrological studies. Remote sensing with its merits of providing spatially extensive, multi-temporal and cost effective data, has become a very handy tool in identifying hydrogeological processes. These studies have revealed the application of integrated remote sensing and GIS technologies in groundwater exploration and exploitation. Integrated remote sensing and GIS are widely used in groundwater mapping. Locating potential groundwater targets is becoming more convenient, cost effective than invasive methods and efficient with the advent of a number of satellite imagery. The nature of remote sensing-based groundwater exploration is to delineate all possible features connected with localization of groundwater. Data, driven out of remote sensing, support decisions related to sustainable development and groundwater management. Integration of remotely sensed data, GPS, and GIS technologies provides a valuable tool for monitoring and assessing water pollution. Remotely sensed data can be used to create a permanent geographically located database to provide a baseline for future comparisons hydrological studies. The integrated use of remotely sensed data, GPS, and GIS will enable consultants and natural resource managers to develop management plans for a variety of natural resource management applications

GEOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT AND MODELING OF WATER QUALITY FOR IRRIGATION AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES IN OTUOKE AND ENVIRONS, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

The study assesses the geochemistry of water quality for irrigation purposes in Otuoke and environs, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Assessment of the water quality for irrigation purposes was achieved using models like Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Permeability index (PI), Kelly’s ratio (KR), Magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), Sodium percentage and Potential soil (PS) salinity reveals that all the groundwater samples are in excellent condition and can be used for irrigation purposes. Sodium percentage reveals that 14% (2 samples) of the groundwater samples are permissible, while 86% (12 samples) of the groundwater samples are doubtful for irrigation purposes. Magnesium Adsorption ratio reveals that 93% (13 samples) of the groundwater samples are good for irrigation while the remaining 7% (1 sample) is unsuitable for irrigation. Kelly’s ratio shows that all the water samples are unsuitable for irrigation. The groundwater in the area shows LSI ranges from -4.34 to -2.24, with a mean of -2.93. Positive Langelier saturation index (LSI) values suggest that water is supersaturated with respect to CaCO3 and scale formation may occur in pipelines and equipment. All groundwater samples have negative Langelier saturation index (LSI) values, which suggest that the groundwater is unsaturated with CaCO3 and fit for industrial usage. The results obtained could serve as a future reference when studying the water quality of Otuoke and its environment

Lithology and economic potential resource of Igumale-Nsukka area, SE Nigeria

The Maastrichtian Mamu and Nsukka Formations in the Anambra Basin (SE Nigeria) consist of a cyclic succession of coals, carbonaceous shales, silty shales and siltstones interpreted as deltaic deposits. The studied area is located in the northern part of Nsukka within the Anambra Basin southeastern Nigeria. The aim of this investigation is to examine the litholologic and economic aspect of some rocks in this area. Four main stratigraphic units belonging to the Enugu Shale, the Lower and Upper Mamu Formation and the Ajali Sandstone were identified. The Enugu Shale is the oldest unit which forms the base of the sequence and could be subdivided into subunits; carbonaceous shale, grey shale and sandy shale. The carbonaceous shale consists of dark, soft bluish shales-thinly laminated. The grey comprises laminated shales alternating with sandstones and the sandy shale consists of alternating shale, fine sandstones and siltstones. The Mamu Formation succeeded the Enugu Shale and two members of this formation; Lower and Upper Mamu Formation are identified. The Lower Mamu Formation is made up of three subunits, carbonaceous shale, grey shale, and sandy shale. The Upper Mamu unit consists of friable fine white sandstones. The Ajali Sandstone overlain the Upper Mamu Formation and consists of whitish to pinkish red, poorly consolidated medium grained sandstones. It is well cross-bedded and contains plant impression, and burrow-fills as ichno-fossils. The sandstones are used in the manufacturing of glass while laterites are used for various construction purposes such as roads, buildings and bridges. The clays are for pottery, glazed tiles, in ceramics industry. The coal has a future prospect for industries, such as iron and steel industry as cooking coal, cement industries and raw materials for chemical industries and also use locally for cooking. The alternation of shales and sandstones in the Enugu Shales, Mamu Formation and Ajali Sandstones provide a good petroleum system.Key Words: Lithofacies, sandstone, shale, mineralogy, depositional environment potential resource