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Extraction constraints and environmental significance of brine discharges in the Asu River watershed, Southeastern Nigeria

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Abstract

Analyses of hydrochemistry, modes of occurrence and dynamic dispersion of brine discharges were used to assess the economic potentials, environmental and geotechnical problems of saline water discharges in the Abakaliki Basin. Total salt concentration, energy input requirement and the nature of containment structures are important considerations in selection of appropriate and sustainable sourcing and processing system. Solute dispersion patterns from the brine discharges are controlled by the semi-regional hydrodynamic regime that is defined by the shallow, unconfined, fractured aquifer system. The ionic solute invasion from brines not only contribute to marginal wetland degradation, ground and surface water contamination but also predicate low performance and failures in water abstraction and supply systems through encrustation and corrosion. Brine harvest for industrial and domestic applications appears to be a major remedy to inhibit the environmental and geotechnical impacts of the brine discharges.

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Fig. 1

(modified after Cratchley and Jones 1965). Inset sketch map of, Nigeria showing the Benue Trough

Fig. 2

(modified from Tijani et al. 1996; Insert: map of Nigeria)

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for their support through the grant from the Professorial Chair to Prof. C. O. Okogbue.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Engineering and Applied Geology Unit, Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

    G. E. Ene, C. O. Okogbue & O. J. Chigoziri

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  1. G. E. Ene
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  2. C. O. Okogbue
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  3. O. J. Chigoziri
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Correspondence to G. E. Ene.

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Ene, G.E., Okogbue, C.O. & Chigoziri, O.J. Extraction constraints and environmental significance of brine discharges in the Asu River watershed, Southeastern Nigeria. Environ Earth Sci 77, 402 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7494-3

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