Environmental impact assessment from marble exploitation on surface and underground water in SAKALALINAMADAGASCAR

Abstract

The determination of the impacts of marble exploitation on the surface and underground water at SAKALALINA-MADAGASCAR was determined by assessing the physico-chemical properties of the water samples obtained from SAKALALINA and its environs. The concentration of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, As and selected major ions in water samples were analyzed in the laboratory to assess their role in the contamination of both surface and ground water. The water in this Study area is mainly used for drinking and industrial purposes followed by agriculture to some extent. The specific objectives are: to describe contamination process in surface water and groundwater due to mining activities; to identify and characterize the critical aspects relating to the water-related impacts of mining in the study area; to propose the best method and the risk management measures for the impacts. The result of water quality parameters were compared with the standards laid down by United State Environmental Protection Agencies (USEPA) standard (2015) and World Health Organization (WHO), suitable for drinking and domestic purpose. The results reveal that levels for certain water quality parameters like EC, pH, alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate exceeded the desirable limits prescribed by the USEOA and WHO standards. The results of physico-chemical analysis of groundwater level in the study area show high pollution level in the region.