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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 20 (2012), Paper 5 Posted May 4, 2012 HYDROGEOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ABAKALIKI SHALES, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
Dan C. Ozoko ABSTRACT Geochemical and microbial studies were carried out on surface and groundwater from the Abakaliki shales, Enugu, Nigeria. The study involved a total of twenty-five samples, which were analyzed to determine major ion concentrations and coliform status. Results of the analyses show that the pH of the waters range from 6.8 to 8.4 with most values clustering around 7.0 (neutral). Values of total dissolved solids concentration range from 827.8 to 1334 mg/l which suggest brackish water. High values of dissolved oxygen indicated strong oxidizing conditions in the regolith aquifer. The interpretation of ionic concentrations suggests that the chemistry of the ground water in the aquifer is established initially by the composition of ancient connate water trapped in the sediments. As the aquifer becomes increasingly recharged by rainwater there is a corresponding dilution plus the incipience of important reactions like natural softening and pyrite oxidation. The origin of the connate water is most probably marine. Microbial studies revealed that all the waters are heavily polluted with respect to coliform bacteria. The presence of specific pathogens like Salmonella spp, E. Coli and Pseudomonas spp in some of the samples suggest that the water supply of Abakaliki City should never be used without thorough treatment. Reference: Ozoko, D.C. 2012. Hydrogeochemical and microbial characteristics of Abakaliki Shales, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 20, Paper 5. CONTACT: Dan C. Ozoko Department of Geology and Mining Enugu State University of Science and Technology P.M.B. 1660 Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria E-mail: reo43331@yahoo.com |
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