Physicochemical evaluation of groundwater near Ikot Effanga dumpsite, Calabar, South eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The Ikot Effanga area of Calabar, Southeastern Nigeria, is located close to a municipal waste dump. The area is defined by latitudes 05⁰00¹N and 05⁰25¹N and longitudes 008⁰20¹ E and 008⁰25¹ E. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the waste dump on the groundwater resources of the area. Groundwater samples were obtained from 10 boreholes located around the dump site. The samples were collected during the peak dry season and peak rainy season for comparison. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed. Static water level and surface elevation of the boreholes were used to determine the groundwater flow direction. Results obtained were compared with the NSDWQ and WHO standards. From the result, it was observed that groundwater in the area is acidic as the mean pH values were 4.03 and 3.57 for dry and wet season respectively. Other physicochemical parameters analyzed showed that there were no significant variations between the dry and wet season. Also, groundwater from the area was classified as fresh and suitable for domestic and agricultural purposes. The general flow direction of groundwater in the study area is NW-SE. While the present study showed that the dumpsite does not have significant impact on the groundwater resources either due to geology or natural attenuation