NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org
HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN ENUGU COALMINES, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.17.093.3 | Article Number: 3ABD6F13 | Vol.10 (3) - December 2011
Author: Kaizer A. N.
Keywords: heavy metal, coalmine, Enugu. Nigeria
Two coal mines in the Enugu coal field, southeastern Nigeria were selected to study heavy metal concentration in typical mining sites within the Enugu area. They are the Onyeama and Ogbete coal mines. Mining system within the field is essentially underground. The study area includes mined and unreclaimed, and unmined agricultural land use types. Absence of existing water boreholes in the mine areas could not allow for assessment of metal concentration in the groundwater. However, a comparison of heavy metal concentration in surface water of the mined and unreclaimed areas with those of the unmined agricultural areas indicates that concentrations are significantly higher around the mines than in the unmined areas. Similarly, concentrations of heavy metals within the mines were high compared to the WHO standards for drinking water. Adequate waste disposal, improved geophysical techniques and methods of exploiting coal, and standard water treatment procedures are recommended to minimize hazards arising from coal mining activities.
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