An Assessment of the Impact of Auto-Mechanic Activities on Groundwater in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- September 2, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS Team
- Categories: IJRIAS, Mechanical Engineering
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume V, Issue VI, June 2020 | ISSN 2454-6194
Opara, C. Y., Festus, C, Edori, O. S.
Department of Chemistry, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, PMB 5047 Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract:-An investigation to assess the impact of auto-mechanic activities on the groundwater in Mile 2 Diobu was conducted with the aim to ascertain the level of pollution as well as the portability of the groundwater for human consumption. A total of four boreholes were analyzed for their physicochemical properties (temperature, pH and electrical conductivity) and heavy metal content (Pb, Cd, Fe, Cr, and Zn). Groundwater samples were collected from three functional boreholes within the mechanic village and a control groundwater sample was collected far away from the workshop area. The results of the analysis compared with the WHO guideline values for drinking water quality parameters revealed that all the parameters assessed were within the permissible limit set by the organization except the pH which was low and indicated that the groundwater within the area was slightly acidic as the pH ranged from 6.0 – 6.5. It was therefore concluded from the study that the auto-mechanic activities carried out in the area has not significantly impacted on the groundwater resource. However, the low pH indicated that the water requires minor treatment before human consumption. The recommendations of the study include continuous monitoring of the concentration of Fe in the groundwater resource as well as other contaminants; appropriate regulatory authorities should put in place legislature to manage, regulate and control disposal of the wastes generated from auto-mechanic activities; education of workshop owners on dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal.
Keywords: groundwater, physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, boreholes, assessment
