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Heavy Metal Assessment of Groundwaters in the Vicinities of Dumpsites in Calabar Metropolis, South-Eastern Nigeria

Received: 06 February 2014    Accepted: 09 November 2015    Published: 07 December 2015
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Abstract

Assessment of heavy metal contents in groundwater in vicinities of dumpsites within the Calabar metropolis was carried out. The dumpsites included those located at Akai-Effa, Anantigha, Bogobiri, LEMNA road and Marina beach. The choice of dumpsites was guided by magnitude of operation, history and longevity as related to possible metal speciation, leachate fate and disperssivity. Studied heavy metals included; Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co and As. Results and interpretation revealed generally the highest concentration of selected metals to be in the vicinities of the Akai-Effa dumpsite (an abandoned and reclaimed automobile repair and scrap metal dumpsite with a long history of operation). This was followed by the Bogobiri dumpsite with a relatively shorter period of operation but a history of frequent incineration of refuse. Hydrochemical modelling indicated the aqueous species of metals to be predominantly free mobile ions, oxides and hydroxides. Other multi-element complexes were also identified at varying degrees of dominance and these were largely hydrated arsenates. Metal speciation in groundwater was adjudged to be controlled by dumpsites longevity, refuse type and associated activities. Current levels and speciation trend create a need for temporal and spatial monitoring for possible hazard prognosis and human health concerns.

DOI 10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17
Published in Earth Sciences (Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015)
Page(s) 261-265
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This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Calabar, Dumpsite, Heavy Metal, Nigeria, Speciation

References
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[2] Shagal, M. H., Maina, H. M., Donatus, R. B., and Tadzabia, K., (2012). Bioaccumulation of trace metals concentration in some vegetables grown near refuse and effluents dumpsites along Rumude-Doubeli bye-pass in Yola North, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Global Advanced Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology. Vol.1(2) pp.018-022.
[3] Abdus-salam, N, (2009). Assessment of heavy metals pollution in dumpsites in Ilorin metropolis. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management. Vol.2 No.2(pp.92-99).
[4] Short, K. C., and Stauble, A. J., (1967). Outline of geology of Niger Delta. AAPG Bulletin 52, pp.761-779.
[5] Ekwueme, B. N., (2003). The Precambrian geology and evolution of the Southeastern Nigerian basement complex. University of Calabar Press 135p.
[6] Reijers, T. J. A., (1996). Selected Chapters on Geology, Sedimentary Geology and Sequence Stratigraphy and three case studies and field guide, SPDC Publications, Warri, Nigeria, 197p.
[7] WHO, (2001). Guidelines for drinking water quality, 3rd edn. WHO/EO/20.1. WHO, New York, 283 pp.
[8] Woody, P. B., (1993). Potential effects of heavy metals in municipal solid waste composts on plants and the environment. Cornell Waste Management Institute, Rice Hall, Ithaca, NY (607) 255-1187.
[9] Vassilev, S., and Vassilev, C., (1997). Geochemistry of coals, coal ashes and combustion wastes from coal-fired power station. Fuel processing Technology, No. 51.
[10] Ekwere, A. S., (2010). Hydrogeological and Hydrogeochemical Framework of the Oban Massif, south-eastern Nigeria. Ph.D Thesis, Dept. of Geology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
[11] Taylor, J. R., Weaver, T. R., McPhail, D. C., & Murphy, N. C., (1996). Characterization and impact assessment of mine tailings in the King River System and delta, Western Tasmania. Final Rept: Project No. 5 Mt. Lyell Remediation Res. and Demonst. Program.
[12] Apte, S. C., Benko, W. I., & Day, G. M., (1995). Partition and complexation of copper in the Fly River, Papua, New Guinea. J Geochem. Explor. 52:67-79.
[13] Ekwere, A. S., Edet, A. E., and Ukpong, A. J., (2011). Hydrochemistry of the near-shore Marine Bay, Calabar River, south-eastern Nigeria. RMZ-Materials and Geoenvironment Vol. 58, No.4, pp. 421-436.
[14] Baggio, H., and Horn, H., (2012). Natural and anthropogenic contributions to concentration and distribution of heavy metals in surface water and in sediments in the Formoso River, Buritizeiro Municipality – Minas Gerais State, Brasil. Comunicaҫões Geológicas, 99:2 pp. 71-78.
Author Information
  • Department of Geology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

  • Department of Geology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

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  • APA Style

    Azubuike S. Ekwere, Solomon J. Ekwere. (2015). Heavy Metal Assessment of Groundwaters in the Vicinities of Dumpsites in Calabar Metropolis, South-Eastern Nigeria. Earth Sciences, 4(6), 261-265. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17

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    ACS Style

    Azubuike S. Ekwere; Solomon J. Ekwere. Heavy Metal Assessment of Groundwaters in the Vicinities of Dumpsites in Calabar Metropolis, South-Eastern Nigeria. Earth Sci. 2015, 4(6), 261-265. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17

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    AMA Style

    Azubuike S. Ekwere, Solomon J. Ekwere. Heavy Metal Assessment of Groundwaters in the Vicinities of Dumpsites in Calabar Metropolis, South-Eastern Nigeria. Earth Sci. 2015;4(6):261-265. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17

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  • @article{10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17,
      author = {Azubuike S. Ekwere and Solomon J. Ekwere},
      title = {Heavy Metal Assessment of Groundwaters in the Vicinities of Dumpsites in Calabar Metropolis, South-Eastern Nigeria},
      journal = {Earth Sciences},
      volume = {4},
      number = {6},
      pages = {261-265},
      doi = {10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17},
      eprint = {https://download.sciencepg.com/pdf/10.11648.j.earth.20150406.17},
      abstract = {Assessment of heavy metal contents in groundwater in vicinities of dumpsites within the Calabar metropolis was carried out. The dumpsites included those located at Akai-Effa, Anantigha, Bogobiri, LEMNA road and Marina beach. The choice of dumpsites was guided by magnitude of operation, history and longevity as related to possible metal speciation, leachate fate and disperssivity. Studied heavy metals included; Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co and As. Results and interpretation revealed generally the highest concentration of selected metals to be in the vicinities of the Akai-Effa dumpsite (an abandoned and reclaimed automobile repair and scrap metal dumpsite with a long history of operation). This was followed by the Bogobiri dumpsite with a relatively shorter period of operation but a history of frequent incineration of refuse. Hydrochemical modelling indicated the aqueous species of metals to be predominantly free mobile ions, oxides and hydroxides. Other multi-element complexes were also identified at varying degrees of dominance and these were largely hydrated arsenates. Metal speciation in groundwater was adjudged to be controlled by dumpsites longevity, refuse type and associated activities. Current levels and speciation trend create a need for temporal and spatial monitoring for possible hazard prognosis and human health concerns.},
     year = {2015}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Heavy Metal Assessment of Groundwaters in the Vicinities of Dumpsites in Calabar Metropolis, South-Eastern Nigeria
    AU  - Azubuike S. Ekwere
    AU  - Solomon J. Ekwere
    Y1  - 2015/12/07
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    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17
    DO  - 10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17
    T2  - Earth Sciences
    JF  - Earth Sciences
    JO  - Earth Sciences
    SP  - 261
    EP  - 265
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2328-5982
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20150406.17
    AB  - Assessment of heavy metal contents in groundwater in vicinities of dumpsites within the Calabar metropolis was carried out. The dumpsites included those located at Akai-Effa, Anantigha, Bogobiri, LEMNA road and Marina beach. The choice of dumpsites was guided by magnitude of operation, history and longevity as related to possible metal speciation, leachate fate and disperssivity. Studied heavy metals included; Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co and As. Results and interpretation revealed generally the highest concentration of selected metals to be in the vicinities of the Akai-Effa dumpsite (an abandoned and reclaimed automobile repair and scrap metal dumpsite with a long history of operation). This was followed by the Bogobiri dumpsite with a relatively shorter period of operation but a history of frequent incineration of refuse. Hydrochemical modelling indicated the aqueous species of metals to be predominantly free mobile ions, oxides and hydroxides. Other multi-element complexes were also identified at varying degrees of dominance and these were largely hydrated arsenates. Metal speciation in groundwater was adjudged to be controlled by dumpsites longevity, refuse type and associated activities. Current levels and speciation trend create a need for temporal and spatial monitoring for possible hazard prognosis and human health concerns.
    VL  - 4
    IS  - 6
    ER  - 

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