Water Quality as Affected by Quarry Activities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract The study was done in 2018, 2019 and 2020, during which quarry activities effects was determined on water qualities in Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria. The following locations were selected: 0 – 50 m from quarry locations at Ishiagu, Umuoghara and Ngbo were selected with Non quarry location situated 3 km away from each location as control. Collected water samples were analysed for selected physical properties, chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations. The experimental design was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with F-LSD at (p < 0.05). The results obtained were compared with the established standards. Physical parameters studied in the sites within 0 – 50 m from quarry sites were higher than that of control and are within the recommended standards. Similarly, chemical parameters were higher the sites within 0 – 50 m from quarry sites than that of control and are within the standard, except pH in 2018 at Ishiagu and Umuoghara and pH of control in the three years of studied. Lead, cadmium and iron recorded values in sites within 0 – 50 m which were higher than that of control and the recommended standards whereas zinc observed in Ishiagu in 2018, 2019, 2019 were above standard and control. Zinc observed in Umuoghara and Ngbo were within standard but some values are either higher or lower than control. Based on the results water bodies in quarry sites should be subjected to treatment processes before domestic use to avoid ailments associated with water polluted with quarry activities.