Abstract
The effect of highways and local activities on the quality of groundwater in Ogun State, Nigeria was investigated. This was done by collecting groundwater samples from three different districts in the state, located in Southwestern Nigeria. The water samples collected at 5 m from the highway and control samples collected at 3 km from the highway were analyzed for the following physicochemical parameters: pH, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, total hardness, total solid, suspended solid, dissolved solid, chloride, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, phenol, and the metals—lead, zinc, iron, aluminum, sodium, and potassium. The levels of chromium, copper, and cadmium in the samples were below the detectable limit. The levels of the parameters show that there are significant differences between those in the samples and the controls (F test) except for phosphate and phenol. Also, anthropogenic sources (local activities) elevate the levels of different specific parameters, which are related to these activities. Good correlation was observed between traffic density and lead levels as well as between conductivity and dissolved solids. Comparisons with the World Health Organization guidelines indicate that most of the water samples are not suitable for human consumption.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ajose, T. (2001). Water Pollution. Chevron News, 4(4), 12–14.
Arowolo, T. A., Bamgbose, O., & Odukoya, O. O. (2000). Lead contamination of roadside vegetation in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria. Bioscience Research Communications, 12(1), 105–109.
Boulding, J. R. (1995).Practical handbook of soil, vadose zone, and groundwater contamination. Assessment, prevention and remediation (pp. 59–202). London: Lewis.
Department of Environment, London (1972). Analysis of raw, potable and waste waters. London: HMSO.
Grundon, M. F., & Henbest, H. F. (1971). Organic chemistry—an introduction (5th impression, p. 26). St. Louis: McDonald.
Knox, R. C., & Carter, L. W. (1993). Prioritization of groundwater contaminants and sources. Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 88(3), 205–210.
Leslie, A. D., Honey, B. L., & Paul, M. B. (1997). Mass balance analysis of reactive transport and cation exchange in a plume of wastewater contaminated groundwater. Journal of Hydrology, 203(1–4), 228–249.
Louzidou, M., & Kapetanios, E. G. (1993). Effect of leachate from landfills on underground water quality. Science of the Total Environment, 128(1), 69–81.
McEldowny, J. F., & Sharron, M. (1996). Environment and law. An introduction for environmental scientists and lawyers (pp. 192–201). England: Addison Wesley Longman.
Nriagu, J. O. (1979). Zinc in the environment. Environmental science and technology series (pp. 33–34). New York: Wiley-Interscience.
Nye, P., Yaron, B., Galin, T., & Gersth, Z. (1994). Volatization of a multicomponent liquid through dry soil. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 58(3), 269–277.
Odukoya, O. O. (1999). Lead in street dusts in Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode. Bulletin of the Science Association of Nigeria, 22, 181–184.
Odukoya, O. O., Arowolo, T. A., & Bamgbose, O. (2000). Pb, Zn and Cu level in tree barks as indicator of atmospheric pollution. Environment International, 26, 11–16.
Odukoya, O. O., Bamgbose, O., & Arowolo, T. A. (2001). Heavy metals in top soils of Abeokuta dump sites. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 7(3), 467–472.
Odukoya, O. O., Arowolo, T. A., & Bamgbose, O. (2002). Effect of solid waste landfill on underground and surface water quality at Ring Road, Ibadan, Nigeria. Global Journal of Environmental Sciences, 1(1), 43–52.
Osibanjo, O., & Ajayi, S. O. (1980). Trace heavy metals in tree barks as indicators of atmospheric pollution. Environment International, 4, 239–244.
Oyebade, L., & Adewale, A. (1996). Nigeria sardine and herring in groundwater resources. Extent, value and use. Ultimate Water Technology and Environment, 1, 4–8.
Sadiq, M., & Alam, I. (1997). Lead contamination of groundwater in an industrial complex. Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 98(1–2), 167–177.
Vernon, F., & Wani, C. D. (1993). Pre-concentration methods for determination of copper, cadmium, lead and zinc in surface waters: A comparative study. Analytical Proceedings, 30(11), 442–445.
Vogel, A. I. (1964). A textbook of quantitative inorganic analysis (3rd Ed., new impression, p. 663). London: Longmans, Green & Co.
WHO (1984). Health criteria and supporting information in “Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality” (Vol. 2, pp. 91–99, 128–133).
WHO’s Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (1993). Set up in Geneva. www.lenntech.com.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Odukoya, O.O., Onianwa, P.C. & Sanusi, O.I. Effect of highways and local activities on the quality of underground water in Ogun State, Nigeria. Environ Monit Assess 168, 1–10 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1086-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1086-3