American Journal of Water Resources

This study was conducted in areas of KuzKunda, Ghat and KwaroTangi, Madyan Union Council of the rural Swat with the aims to assess the potable drinking water quality after the devastating flood of 2010, in the valley. For doing this forty samples of the spring water were collected from different ground water sources, i.e. tube wells, springs, dug wells and hand pumps in the area. These samples were analyzed for physical and chemical parameters including heavy metals Plumbum (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni) and Chromium (Cr) and the results were compared with international standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). According to standards of WHO the pH, EC, total dissolves solids and Turbidity of spring water in all villages were in fewer amounts. But the concentration is higher than the standard of WHO in KuzKunda and KwaroTangi. Findings also show that most of the physio-chemical parameters, i.e. total suspended solids, pH, salinity, total dissolved solids, chloride, sodium, potassium and zinc were, according to the international standard limits of WHO, while electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, lead, chromium, nickel, calcium and magnesium were above the international standard of WHO. This is due to heavy metal contamination in the study area with mix zone rocks. These above limits of the mentioned ions lead to the unsafe drinking water quality of the Madyan area. The study recommends that the drinking spring water was generally of good quality, but it’s better to be chlorinated and boiled before use.

American Journal of Water Resources. 2015, 3(4), 118-123. DOI: 10.12691/ajwr-3-4-3
Pub. Date: October 08, 2015

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Impact of Urban Livestock Production on Groundwater Quality in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

by Terrumun Kenneth Kwadzah, Oliver Terna Iorhemen and Charles Amen Okuofu

Original Research

Groundwater is the main source of water for most city dwellers in Nigeria. In this study, the impacts of urban livestock production on groundwater quality in Kaduna metropolis were assessed through water quality monitoring. Groundwater samples were collected from wells located around 2 abattoirs (Tudunwada and Kawo abattoirs) and in 8 livestock-keeping households for a 6-month period (July- December). Physico-chemical analyses were conducted on the samples using standard methods. Results indicate that groundwater is negatively impacted in terms of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus and cadmium; and this impact is of great concern as the values for these parameters are well in excess of established limits. There is negative impact in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and zinc but this impact is not a concern as most of the values are within limits. However, no impact was observed on groundwater quality in terms of calcium as it showed no definite pattern of variation. Similarly, iron exhibited very low concentrations in the samples with a few exceptions in the months of July and August for the two abattoir sites. Lead was not detected in any of the samples throughout the study period. This study indicates that livestock keeping and processing activities have negative impact on groundwater quality in Kaduna metropolis. The groundwater pollution due to urban livestock production emanates from point sources and control measures can be easily applied.

American Journal of Water Resources. 2015, 3(4), 109-117. DOI: 10.12691/ajwr-3-4-2
Pub. Date: September 02, 2015

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Impact of Gully Erosion Stream Sedimentation in Demepke Drainage Basin

by Songu G. A., Oyatayo K. T. and Iorkua S.A.

Original Research

This study examined gully development in Demekpe drainage basin, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State of Nigeria; with a view to determine the volume and amount of sediment loss from a 3^rd order gully system. The systematic sampling technique was used to segment the gully which measured 220m long at intervals of 20m. Parameters measured include among others gully length, gully depth, gully shoulder and bed widths, slope gradient, cross sectional area, stream density, stream frequency and stream intensity. Cartesian coordinates, spot heights and core soil values were also determined. Digital Elevation Model was used to model gully form, direction of runoff and sediment delivery ratio in the gully system. The result showed that the volume of sediment loss from the gully system with a cross sectional area of 91.7m²is 931.5m³using the End Area method of soil loss determination. The amount or weight of sediment loss from the gully system is estimated to be 12,575.28 tonnes. The Digital Elevation Model of the gully system indicates a trapezoidal form and slopes with summital convexity. The convexity of the slope shape implies that runoff is generated from all sides of the slopes, influencing a considerate amount of sediment loss at the gully sides and floor. It is therefore recommended that planting of cover crops should be intensified to enhance infiltration and concreted surfaces should be minimised to reduce surface runoff and sediment loss along slopes.

American Journal of Water Resources. 2015, 3(4), 100-108. DOI: 10.12691/ajwr-3-4-1
Pub. Date: August 30, 2015

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