Evaluation of the surface and groundwater resources of Efuru river catchment, Mbano, South Eastern Nigeria
Dept. of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria
Egereonu, U.U., Dept. of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Nwachukwu, U.L., Dept. of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria
Hydrochemical investigations were carried out in Isiala-Mbano in Imo state, Nigeria in order to locate the sources of pollution. Survey was carried out on Efuru river and groundwater in its watershed. The spatial distribution of pollutants due to poor land use systems and human activities are reported. The electrical conductivity, pH, metallic ions, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, hardness ions, chemical oxygen demand, silica content, chloride, sulphate, nitrate and langelier index were analysed in both dry and rainy seasons. The results were evaluated in the light of the World Health Organization Standards and were found admissible for human consumption. Negative Langelier index indicated that the groundwater is corrosive while positive langelier index indicates that the groundwater is encrustating. The study emphasized the need for protection of surface and groundwater to meet the rapid population growth and rate of urbanization.