Impact of limestone quarrying operations on quality standards of soil and water at Ewekoro (Nigeria)

Abstract

Mining and mineral processing have the potential to generate income and promote economic development, but effects of operations on the host communities must be monitored to ensure environment integrity. The impact of limestone quarrying operations on quality standards of the soil and water at Ewekoro was assessed to determine the level of depredation of the soil and water in the study area, by on-site sample collections and laboratory analyses of the quality parameters. The soil analysis indicated that the exploitation activities did not impact negatively on the soil, thereby making the soil suitable for agricultural production. By comparing the data of water analysis with World Health Organization and Federal Environmental Protection Agency standards, the stream water at the quarry face and at Oke-oko area were contaminated with toxic and acid forming chromium ion (Cr²⁺) and zinc ion (Zn²⁺). Measures to minimize the seepage of water at the quarry face from infiltrating into the main stream during dewatering operation and mitigating other environmental effects of the operations were proposed.