Evaluation of water resources of some satellite towns in the central part of Anambra State, SE, Nigeria

Abstract

Water, an integral part of human life should regularly be assessed to ensure the desired quantity and quality. No aspect of the living organism and industrialisation can be sustained without water. The satellite towns of Ebenebe, Ugbene, Urum, Isuaniocha and Mgbakwu are located very close to Awka the capital of Anambra State, SE, Nigeria. This study is geared toward assessing the suitability of the water sources in these towns for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses. Fifteen water samples were collected from both surface water and groundwater sources. The samples were subjected to chemical and microbial analyses. The result of chemical analysis indicates that the water sources are slightly acidic. The major ions are within the WHO desirable limit. There is, however, enrichment of heavy metals such as mercury, chromium, cadmium, and iron. These heavy metals have serious negative health implications. The biological analysis result indicates the presence of the coliform group of bacteria and the presence of fecal coliform. These denote the presence of biological pollution. The WQI values depict water that ranged from unsuitable to excellent. Also, the Heavy Metal Pollution Index indicates water that range from very poor to very good. The results obtained show that some of the water sources are polluted. Also, the %Na status is from good to excellent and SAR suggests water that is excellent for agriculture. Calcium and sulphate are the dominant ions. The major water types are Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl⁻–SO4²⁻ and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃⁻ suggesting water that has undergone mixing. In 93.3% of the samples, the alkaline earths exceed the alkalis while strong acids exceed weak acids in 73.3% of the samples. The chloro-alkaline indices were positive indicating reverseion exchange. Hence, the dominant hydrochemical process is reverse ion exchange.