Bottom sediment qualities in Ihetutu minefield were assessed to ascertain the impact of Pb-Zn mining activities on the sediments from streams, rivers and ponds in the area. Levels of Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cd and Cr and some physico-chemical parameters were measured in bottom sediments taken from four sampling stations (streams/mine pits) within Ihetutu minefield of Ishiagu which receives discharges from mining and human activities, and a control sampling station in Uturu (about 12 km away from study area). The study was conducted in four seasons (Rainy, Late Rainy, Dry, and Late Dry Seasons). Sample digestion was done with a temperature adjustable block digester. Heavy metal analysis was carried out with Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) while other physico-chemical parameters were determined with standard field and laboratory procedures. Ranges of mean values of results obtained were; pH = 5.81-6.44, EC = 269.00-1545.00 µS/cm, Cl − = 43.30-112.33 mg/kg, alkalinity = 0.70-1.25 mg/kg, NO − 3 = 5.90-7.90 mg/kg, TOC = 0.81-1.75 mg/kg, TOM = 1.40-3.02 mg/kg, Cu = 4.74-50.93 mg/kg, Zn = 26.78-57.07 mg/kg, Fe = 1066.19-1764.05 mg/kg, Mn = 36.66-42.96 mg/kg, Ni = 4.02-17.19 mg/kg, Pb = 38.01-162.23 mg/kg, Cd = 1.01-25.90 mg/kg, and Cr = 1.23-1.62 mg/kg. Assessment of heavy metals pollution, using pollution indices revealed that Contamination factor ranged from moderate to very high degree of contamination while Pollution load index also showed a deterioration of bottom sediment qualities. Geoaccummulation index indicated moderate to very high pollution, especially with Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the mine pit, while Enrichment factor indicated high enrichments and inputs from anthropogenic sources especially, the Pb-Zn mining activities. Pollution of the area by heavy metals was in the order of Fe > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Cd > Cr. Highest positive correlation (r = 0.992) was between Pb and Cu while the highest negative correlation (r = −0.789) was between Ni and Mn.
The levels of some quality parameters and heavy metals in groundwater in Ihetutu minefield of Ishiagu were analyzed in four seasons (rainy, late rainy, dry, and late dry), in order to evaluate the deterioration of the groundwater qualities in the area. Samples were collected from dug-wells and underground water platforms, and analyzed using standard procedures, for their physico-chemical properties and heavy metals levels. Ranges of mean values of results obtained were; pH = 7.46-7.67, EC = 251.25-662.00 µS/cm, alkalinity = 11.88-26.28 mg/L, TDS = 136.50-333.50 mg/L, TH = 13.90-25.15 mg/L, Cl- = 39.75-79.00 mg/L, Cu = 0.14-0.27 mg/L, Zn = 0.00-0.74 mg/L, Fe = 1.86-3.52 mg/L, Mn = 0.10-0.54 mg/L, Pb = 0.00-0.42 mg/L. Mean concentrations obtained were found to be mostly within standard guidelines/limits but were above control levels in most cases, giving an indication of deterioration of the groundwater qualities in the area. Seasonal variations of most parameters, including the heavy metals were in the order of LDS>DRS>LRS>RNS. Heavy metals mean concentrations also trended in the order of Fe>Zn>Pb>Mn>Cu. Correlations among heavy metals were all positive, with the strongest between Cu and Pb (r = 0.921) while the least was between Cu and Mn (r = 0.176). ANOVA showed no statistically significant differences among sampling stations in study area, as p-values (0.757) was higher than the significance level (α=0.05). Comparison of the results with control values, indicated cases of deterioration of the groundwater in the study area, and a confirmation that the groundwater resources in the area have been adversely affected by wastes and discharges from the mining activities and several other sources.
This study assessed the levels of physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals in ambient air around Ihetutu community in Ishiagu, Nigeria, to evaluate the impact of prolonged Pb-Zn mining and several other related activities on air quality in the area. Particulates, heavy metals, microclimatic and gaseous parameters in ambient air were analyzed for the assessment. Sampling and quality measurements were done during rainy, late rainy, dry and late dry seasons between 2018 and 2019, from study and control areas. Samples were analyzed for particulates and heavy metals in the laboratory while microclimatic and gaseous parameters were measured in-situ using standard field equipment and procedures. Mean and seasonal concentrations of parameters were determined to evaluate the ambient air quality at various locations in the study area. Results showed high mean values of some parameters including; ambient temperature (35.19oC), Relative Humidity (65.78%), SO2 (0.33ppm), NO2 (0.30ppm), PM10 (89.73µg/m3), Cu (0.03mg/L), Zn (0.06mg/L), Fe (0.39mg/L), Mn (2.28mg/L), Ni (0.04mg/L) and Pb (0.05mg/L). Highest Noise level in the study area was 60.40 dB(A). SO2 and NO2 were below detection limits during the dry seasons, but with mean levels above daily average limits of DPR, NESREA, and WHO, due to their high levels during the rainy seasons, except at Amaonye Square. CO mean levels were above FMEnv daily average limit but within DPR limit. PM10 mean values were within NESREA recommended daily average limit while dry season values were above. Zn and Fe pollution along the stations were in the order of SAS3>SAS4>SAS5, while Pb pollution was SAS3>SAS4=SAS5. Generally, trend of heavy metal pollution was Mn>Fe>Pb>Zn>Cd=Cu=Ni. Highest positive correlation within the heavy metals was between Zn and Fe (r = 1.000). There were also no statistically significant differences in means of the parameters among sampling stations (p>0.05). The results revealed pollution of ambient air in the area by heavy metals and gaseous substances, especially around the mining sites and high traffic areas. Proper monitoring of the operations of mining companies and other artisan activities is recommended, to ensure that ambient air status in the area is excellent and within standard guidelines.
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