Quality Assessment of Surface and Groundwater from Eleme Communities in Rivers State

Abstract

This study assessed the suitability of surface and groundwater for irrigation and domestic purposes in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Several studies have reported that contaminations from nearby petrochemical and industrial activities have raised concerns about water quality in the region. Parameters such as Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Permeability Index (PI), Kelly’s Ratio (KR), and Water Quality Index (WQI) were analyzed for both dry and rainy seasons. Results indicated that while Onne groundwater (Rainy season: SSP (31.0±4.9%), MAR (35.2±10.7%), RSC (0.5±0.6meg/l), SAR (0.7±0.2meg/l), PI (41.5±8.2%), KR (0.5±0.1meg/l); Dry season: SSP (35.2±10.7%), MAR (5.6±2.1%), RSC (1.7±0.9meg/l), SAR (0.9±0.4meg/l), PI (65.5±12.9%), KR (0.6± .28meg/l) and Aleto River surface water (Rainy season: SSP (30.3±3.12%), MAR (25.8±11.42%), RSC (-60.3±12.31meg/l), SAR (5.0±0.62meg/l), PI (84.9±18.62%), KR (0.4± 0.06meg/l); Dry season: SSP (33.2±3.67%), MAR (21.4±7.02%), RSC (-52.0±6.29meg/l), SAR (5.5±1.08meg/l), PI (85±24.1%), KR (0.5±0.09meg/l) remain suitable for irrigation, most water sources in other communities exceed recommended thresholds, particularly in SSP and KR. Seasonal fluctuations notably affect parameters like MAR and PI, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring. Elevated heavy metals, especially lead, nickel, and cadmium, were identified in some groundwater samples, likely due to industrial pollution, thus further impacting water safety. The findings underscore the necessity for remediation and regular water quality management to safeguard agricultural sustainability and public health in the Eleme communities.