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Geochemical characteristics and evaluation of the potentially toxic metals in surface and groundwater in Akamkpa-Biase, southeastern Nigeria

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Abstract

This study investigated water quality using geochemical characteristics and potentially toxic metals in surface water and groundwater in Akamkpa-Biase, southeastern Nigeria. Mean concentrations of potentially toxic elements are within permissible limits for potable water, but pH (6.42) and Ba (0.093ppm) mean levels exceeded levels recommended for potable water by WHO (2009). Silicate and carbonate weathering, precipitation, and ion exchange are dominant geochemical processes controlling groundwater quality in the study area. Cations trend as Na > Ca > Mg and anion HCO3 > Cl > SO4 in water. Piper plot shows that Ca + Mg, HCO3 dominate the water type. ANOVA test revealed streams and groundwater sources contributed significantly to elemental concentrations in water. Silicate and carbonate weathering and anthropogenic inputs from mining and agricultural practices are the factors controlling water chemistry. Water sample classification based on metal load shows a dominance of near neutral low metal. Borehole water sources recorded near neutral/high metal classification were compared to shallow water sources. Mineral saturation indices (SI) at equilibrium (SI=0) were more than oversaturated (SI>0) and under saturated (SI<0) conditions in the water. Contamination index (Cd) shows evidence of 80% low contamination (Cd<1), 15% medium contamination (Cd1–3), and 5% high degree of contamination (Cd>3). Contamination index possesses a mean value of 0.39. Heavy metal evaluation index and heavy metal pollution index attained mean values of 6.99 and 17.68, respectively. These values are below 100, which is the critical value for water pollution. This study provides vital information in environmental management strategies for water quality investigations in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

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Acknowledgements

We appreciate the efforts of Mr. Umoren Ume the laboratory technologist, during sample preparation for analysis. We are eternally grateful to the distinguished academic staff of the Department of Geology University of Calabar for their moral support during fieldwork. Our appreciation goes to Mr. Samuel Ojo for his assistance during map preparation. I am thankful to Prof Oyeyemi Oshin for aiding us during sample analysis. We are very extremely grateful to the academic staff of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike for their love and care towards us during manuscript preparation.

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  1. Department of Physics/Geology/Geophysics, Faculty of Science, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, P.M.B 1010, Nigeria

    Gregory Udie Sikakwe

  2. Department of Geology Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, P.M.B 1115, Nigeria

    Bennett Uduak Ilaumo

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  1. Gregory Udie Sikakwe
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Correspondence to Gregory Udie Sikakwe.

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Sikakwe, G.U., Ilaumo, B.U. Geochemical characteristics and evaluation of the potentially toxic metals in surface and groundwater in Akamkpa-Biase, southeastern Nigeria. Arab J Geosci 14, 804 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07162-8

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