Environmental effects of instream sand excavation on the hydrochemistry of a Nigerian headwater stream

• Published in: International journal of surface mining, reclamation and environment reclamation and environment, 1997-01, Vol.11 (2), p.75-78
• Main Authors: King, Richard E, Eketi, Ihuorria B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1389-5265; 1744-5000
• DOI: 10.1080/09208119708944063

Impacts of instream sand excavation on the physico-chemical parameters of Nworie stream in Owerri, Southern Nigeria were assigned to five categories according to the type of response to this allogenic environmental interference: increased levels of total suspended solids (TSS), coefficient of coarseness of suspended solids (CCSS), conductivity, total hardness, orthophosphate, dissolved oxygen (DO) and free carbon dioxide (CO 2 ); increased intra-annual variability in the levels of TSS, CCSS, conductivity, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium hardness, nitrate, orthophosphate and CO 2 ; Reduced amplitude of intra-annual variability in the levels of total iron (Fe); Stochasticity (nonsynchronous temporal variation) in turbidity, TSS, CCSS, pH, conductivity, calcium hardness, nitrate, orthophosphate and CO 2 ; no substantial influence of instream sand excavation on surface temperature. The observed levels and trends were attributed to responses to autogenic environmental factors. The stream water was considered unsuitable for drinking since the levels of turbidity, nitrate, Fe and TSS exceeded the international permissible limits while pH fell short of the norm.