Physicochemical profile of water bodies around the quarry sites in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Quarrying of rock for construction purposes is a significant industry in Nigeria thus enhancing the development of economy activities. This study examined the physicochemical characteristics of water bodies around the quarry sites in Ogun State. Geographic Information System approach was used to map the various quarry locations in Ogun State, of which eight sites were selected namely Isara, Idode, Iwaye, Ogbere, Ilagbe, Adelokun, Baaki Ake and Igodo. A total of 48 samples from surface and ground water were collected and analysed from the eight selected locations for electrical conductivity, dissolved Oxygen, pH using standard procedures. Sampling was done in dry and wet seasons between November 2016 and July 2017. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using SAS package (9.4 version). Sixty quarries were identified in the selected locations. The pH values of surface water (dry season) in all locations were within the WHO standard (6.5-8.5), with the exception of Adelokun (6.20±3.00) and Baaki Ake (6.40±1.97). All values of the pH of the surface water (wet season) fell within the WHO limit with the exception of Iwaye (6.30±2.00). The values of Dissolved Oxygen in surface water (wet season) and ground water (both seasons) across locations were higher than the WHO limit (2.0 mg/L). However, the water bodies in surrounding localities of quarries increased with pH and Dissolved Oxygen.