Abstract
The hydrogeochemical signatures, quality, and suitability of water resources in Okurumutet-Iyamitet mine sites, southeastern Nigeria were evaluated using indexical and chemometric methods for domestic and drinking purposes. Groundwater and surface water samples were evaluated for 22 physicochemical and hydrogeochemical parameters, employing standard techniques. Results revealed the major cations and anions to be Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Na+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3−, respectively. Heavy metals were revealed to be in the order: Mn > Pb > Cd > Zn > Fe > Ba and Pb > Mn > Cd > Fe > Zn > Ba, for groundwater and surface water, respectively. Five water types were identified, with the dominant water types being Ca–Mg–HCO3 (61.23%) and Mg–HCO3–Cl (38.85%). Overall, the major chemical ion concentrations in the waters were within required standards, albeit most of the samples recorded pH concentrations above the required values, describing the waters as weakly acidic. The level of heavy metals was assessed using the modified heavy metal index and pollution load index. Most of the water samples are polluted with heavy metals including Cd and Pb. The drinking water quality assessment was performed using water quality index, overall index of pollution, and geospatial models. Results revealed that 69.23% of the waters (within the east-central and southeastern area) are unsuitable. Correlation and factor analyses suggested that the associations between the analytes are attributable to geogenic and anthropogenic factors, although anthropogenic activities seem to have played a higher role.
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Igwe, O., Omeka, M.E. Hydrogeochemical and pollution assessment of water resources within a mining area, SE Nigeria, using an integrated approach. Int J Energ Water Res 6, 161–182 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-021-00128-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-021-00128-2