Date of Award

8-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

College/School

College of Science and Mathematics

Department/Program

Earth and Environmental Studies

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Duke Ophori

Committee Member

Huan Feng

Committee Member

Joshua Galster

Abstract

Protecting the groundwater resource in the Warri Deltaic Plain sand from the impact of anthropogenic contamination requires an understanding and knowledge of groundwater flow paths, transport processes and the source of contamination. This study was carried out to find out contaminant transport from solid domestic waste sites to the groundwater. The U.S. Geological Survey three-dimensional finite-difference code, MODFLOW, was used to simulate the groundwater flow. The flow pattern reveals predominantly downward flow, with major horizontal motion towards towns around Ekurede Urhobo and Ekurede Itsekiri in Warri. Simulation of advective contaminant transport using MODPATE1 for particle tracking indicates local movement of particles from Ekpen, Ekurede Itsekiri and Okumagba layout to wells in Effurun, Okumagba layout, Japka Raod, and Ekurede Urhobo.

Results from analysis of chemical parameters in groundwater samples near the dump sites in Warri and Effurun, revealed Pb levels that vary between 0.01mg/l to 0.1mg/l, Fe between 0.02 to 0.8 mg/1, and Electrical Conductivity of 33.7 to 735 us/cm. Microbiological analysis indicated that coliform bacteria were detected in well samples. Water from most wells in the study area is considered not potable for consumption.

Municipal solid waste which is considered a source of pollutants, and open dumping of non segregated waste at undeveloped lands and streets were found to be a factor in groundwater contamination. This study focused on the Somebreiro -Warri Deltaic plain sands, where near surface hydrogeological characteristics allow rapid transportation of contaminants from surface to the groundwater system.

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