Author(s): A.S. Ekwere | A. Edet
Journal: Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences
ISSN 2041-0484
Volume: 4;
Issue: 3;
Start page: 207;
Date: 2012;
Original page
Keywords: Groundwater | Nigeria | Oban | speciation | saturation index | toxic elements
ABSTRACT
The computer modeling programs, PHREEQC and VISUAL MINTEQ were used to ascertain the distribution, chemical speciation and mineral saturation indices of groundwater in the Oban massif (South- Eastern Nigeria). The prime objective was to determine the potential risk of groundwater by potentially toxic Elements. Results reveals Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr are distributed as free ions. Oxides and hydroxides of iron and manganese are predominant, reflective of mineralogy/geology of the crystalline basement. The groundwater is super-saturated (SI>10), with respect to goethite, hematite, ferrihydrite, jarosite-k, hausmanite, manganite, pyrochroite and pyrolusite. These species are relatively mobile under the prevailing pH-Eh regime, but total concentrations are low and within permissible limits for safe water.
Journal: Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences
ISSN 2041-0484
Volume: 4;
Issue: 3;
Start page: 207;
Date: 2012;
Original page
Keywords: Groundwater | Nigeria | Oban | speciation | saturation index | toxic elements
ABSTRACT
The computer modeling programs, PHREEQC and VISUAL MINTEQ were used to ascertain the distribution, chemical speciation and mineral saturation indices of groundwater in the Oban massif (South- Eastern Nigeria). The prime objective was to determine the potential risk of groundwater by potentially toxic Elements. Results reveals Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr are distributed as free ions. Oxides and hydroxides of iron and manganese are predominant, reflective of mineralogy/geology of the crystalline basement. The groundwater is super-saturated (SI>10), with respect to goethite, hematite, ferrihydrite, jarosite-k, hausmanite, manganite, pyrochroite and pyrolusite. These species are relatively mobile under the prevailing pH-Eh regime, but total concentrations are low and within permissible limits for safe water.