Hydrogeochemical Analysis and Potential Pollutant of Water Resources Around Ajaokuta Steel Complex, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

The citing of Ajaokuta steel complex near its major raw materials (Iron) has brought about economic development in Kogi State, Nigeria. As a result of poor management of industrial waste, the only River where most people in the community get their drinking water became polluted. The aim of this research is to determine the quality of water and its pollutant within the study area. In order to meet the objective of the research, both physical and hydrogeochemical analysis were carried out. The physical parameters determined indicated (on average), a Ph of 7.44, temperature of 27°C, electrical conductivity of 106.8us/cm and turbidity of 157.4 NTU. 20 water samples were analyzed using Flame analysis photometry and Atomic absorption spectrophotometer.The result reveals on the average: 1.227mg/l Na+ , 2.3 mg/l K+ , and 2.545mg/l Ca2+2.6mg/l NH4+ , 0.17mg/l Cu 2+ , 0.45mg/l Fe2+ , 0.4mg/l Cr3+ , 0.06mg/lMn2+<10, ug/l As3 . . There were gradual decreases in concentration in some elements as one move further away from the steel complex (inferred source of pollution). The reason for these decreases maybe due to distance from the source of pollution and seepage into the groundwater. Iron and manganese were found to be very higher when compared to World health standards. Dangote group of Company’s E.I.A report also shows higher concentration of Fe2+, Mn2+and Cu2+in plant tissue. Therefore, the research concludes that Fe2+ and Mn2+ were the main pollutants while a Cu 2+andCr3+arethe minor pollutants of water resources in the study area. The research also, preliminary concludes that poor handling of industrial waste may have contributed majorly to the pollution of water. Keywords: Ajaokuta, water, hydrogeochemical analysis, pollutant, Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A), industrial waste, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer