Open AccessGROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY IN PARTS OF ORLU METROPOLIS, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Author(s) -
PC Nwachukwu,
JO Popoola,
Eu Uja
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of advanced academic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2488-9849
DOI - 10.46654/ij.24889849.e7428
Subject(s) - water table , groundwater , environmental science , pit latrine , pollution , hydrogeology , hydrology (agriculture) , groundwater flow , groundwater pollution , water resource management , vulnerability (computing) , overburden , mining engineering , geology , environmental engineering , aquifer , latrine , geotechnical engineering , sanitation , ecology , computer security , computer science , biology
The groundwater vulnerability to pollution in parts of Orlu metropolis, Southeastern Nigeria, was assessed on the basis for proposing an appropriate strategy for protecting the groundwater resources. The vulnerability assessment was accomplished using the LeGrand and GOD models. The model techniques generally involve parameter rating and point count systems, based on evaluation of various hydrogeological parameters in relation to their capacity to influence the flow of contaminants in the groundwater system. Borehole information of five locations was collected within the area. The result show that the unsaturated zone material of these sub areas is composed of sandy-clay facies with low effective hydraulic conductivity (k3) and relatively high sorption properties. The characteristics of the overburden materials indicate that contaminants would not migrate down to the water table with ease, especially areas where the water table is deep. The area generally has extremely low vulnerability and has considerable depth to water table which enhances contaminant attenuation and retardation. Also, the high sorption properties of the overburden materials tend to inhibit advective flow of contaminants down the water table. Policies should be instituted to facilitate the closing of pollution sources in the area of high vulnerability such as open disposal pits, leaking petrol stations, effluent discharge from industries, and use of pit latrines, and to locate future disposal site in areas of lower vulnerability.