Journal Facts

Journal
Journal of Environmental Systems
ISSN
0047-2433 (print) 1541-3802 (electronic)
Volume
31
Issue
1
Date
7/1/2007

Article Facts

Title
Waste Disposal and Groundwater Quality in Owerri, Nigeria
DOI
10.2190/Q4G4-MV32-65TN-82H6
Authors
  • Chukwunonye O. Owuama
  • A. P. Uzoije
Pages
69-79
Online Date
06/14/2007

Article Links

Waste Disposal and Groundwater Quality in Owerri, Nigeria

Chukwunonye O. Owuama
A. P. Uzoije

DOI: 10.2190/Q4G4-MV32-65TN-82H6

Abstract

Groundwater supply in the city of Owerri is obtained from the semi-confined aquifer occurring at depths of 50 m to 80 m. Common sources of groundwater pollution are leachate from waste dumpsites and sewage from septic tanks. Over seven waste dumpsites exist in Owerri metropolis, and a septic tank is a common feature in every household. Analysis of the groundwater quality shows that the dissolved solid and bacteria exceed the maximum permissible limit allowed for drinking water. The scenario is primarily due to the inability of the underlying rock and the coastal plain sand, to geochemically attenuate the contaminants adequately. Proper treatment of water from both the private and public boreholes should be enforced.

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