An integrated geochemical and spatiotemporal assessment of groundwater resources within an industrial suburb, Southeastern Nigeria

Okamkpa, J. R. and Omeka, M. E and Igwe, O. and Iyioku, Magnus Ugochukwu (2023) An integrated geochemical and spatiotemporal assessment of groundwater resources within an industrial suburb, Southeastern Nigeria. International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 7. pp. 355-374.

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Abstract

The indiscriminate discharge of industrial efuents from beverage industries into nearby streams and lands within the Udi area of Enugu State has resulted in a decline in the drinking water quality. In this study, geochemical, indexical, statistical and spatiotemporal models were generated to assess the drinking water quality of the area. Seventeen borehole samples were randomly collected across the area and examined for 18 chemical parameters using standard methods. Results revealed that the groundwater is slightly acidic. Hydrochemical modeling identifed Ca2+–Mg2+–Cl−–SO4 2− as the major hydrogeochemical facies and Ca2+–Mg2+ and Cl−–SO4 2− as the dominant water type, implying that the water is permanently hard and unft for laundry. The hydrochemical model, PHREEQC, was used in trace element species assessment. Results from the model revealed that trace elements were immobile under the prevailing pH conditions owing to the presence of limiting mineral phases (e.g. sulphates and carbonates). The pollution index of groundwater revealed that 29.5% of the water samples recorded high pollution, hence are unsuitable for drinking, while 17% recorded insignifcant pollution and were adjudged ft for drinking. Similarly, water quality index and GIS-based spatiotemporal analysis revealed that 64.7% of boreholes around the northeastern, west-central and southern parts of the area are unsuitable for drinking, however, boreholes within the central parts are drinkable. The groundwater fow map showed that groundwater fow in the area is predominantly from the northeastern to the southwestern direction. Hence, untreated wastewater and industrial efuents disposal sites should be restricted to the southern parts of the study area.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
Depositing User:	Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited:	02 Sep 2025 11:34
Last Modified:	02 Sep 2025 11:34
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5432

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