Hydrogeochemistry,contaminant transport and tectonic effects in the Okposi-Uburu salt lake area of Imo State,Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Hydrogeochemical data of groundwater samples from 35 boreholes drilled in the Okposi-Uburu salt lake area are analysed. The data reveal that concentrations of dissolved geochemical constituents such as calcium (Ca²⁺), manganese (Mn²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), chloride (C1^?), and sulphate (SO²⁺ ₄) ions show significant areal variations. Dissolved solids, chloride and manganese ions have concentrations up to and above the objectionable limits for drinking water in the salt lake area. Concentrations of dissolved solids in this zone are about 1200 mg 1^?1. Concentrations of chloride and manganese ions are 350 mg 1^?1 and 1.0 mg 1^?1 respectively. These geochemical constituents and groundwater flow patterns show that transport of contaminants away from the source zone has been greatly influenced by advection, while in areas of high velocity dispersion is the controlling factor. Temperatures for the Okposi and Uburu salt springs are 34.4 and 37.5°C respectively. Bomb tritium indicated water of pre-1953 age. Deuterium and oxygen-18 showed high isotopic enrichment. The high concentrations of dissolved salts resulted from the combined effects of migration of dissolved salts through fractures at the lake floor and evaporation from the lake surface. These findings are related to the tectonic history of the Okposi-Uburu area.