Modelling of the Effect of Critical Seepage Force on the Aquifer Soil Medium of a Borehole (Published)
There have been records of failures and quicksand conditions in boreholes in recent times impeding the performance and operation of boreholes which may have resulted from various factors ranging from construction problems, drilling inaccuracies, fitting and installation problems, some chemical effects within the aquifer medium etc, but it has been ignored that the beneficial factor to the operation of water boreholes; seepage force could get to a considerable value that it becomes unsafe for the well operation thereby causing dislodgement of sand particles and sandstones from the wall of the borehole and the flow paths to the extent that sandstones experience boiling. The scouring of the particles collected at the wall of the transport pipe could damage the installations which is a huge financial loss to the owners of these facilities. Moreover, when soil particles flow, it makes the yield a poor one hence this research works to investigate the contribution of seepage force to the failure of boreholes. A mathematical/laboratory model was used and an expression for calculating the critical hydraulic head causing critical seepage deduced as =. Tables 2 and 3 and Figures 4, 5 and 6 have shown that there is strong agreement between the mathematical model and the laboratory check with closest agreement at the flow distance of 1.8m flow distance and a correlation analysis has shown a perfect correlation of 1.00975. It was also established that the well pump of 760watts power could be operated safely at 220volts beyond which the hydraulic head get more critical. Finally, irrespective of the fact that an increase in hydraulic head increases discharge, the system should be operated at a head safe for the performance of the well.
Keywords: Borehole, Failure, Groundwater, Modelling, Seepage Force
CHEMICAL PREDICTION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN PARTS OF OWERRI IMO STATE IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA (Published)
The Chemical prediction of groundwater quality in parts of Owerri in Imo State was carried out. The chemical parameters of groundwater samples from Nekede, Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Avu were subjected to chemical analysis using standard laboratory techniques . In the study, an equation was formulated that will predict the chemical concentrations of contaminants of the groundwater aquifer at any given distance in Owerri in Imo State. A total of three replicates of fifteen different borehole water samples were collected based on distances from closest potential sources of contamination. All parameters were detected up to 60m from pollution source and most of them increased in concentration during the periods, pointing to infiltrations from storm water. The results for concentration of Mn, Zn, Mg, and Hardness decreased as distance increases while further increase in distance may decrease or increase the values of Cu. Results also showed that most of the boreholes were polluted and not suitable for human consumption without adequate treatment. This study accentuates the need to set standards for the siting of wells from septic tanks, abolishment of unhealthy waste disposal practices and introduction of modern techniques are recommended.
Keywords: Chemical., Distance, Groundwater, Owerri West
Chemical Prediction of Groundwater Quality in parts of Owerri Imo state in South Eastern Nigeria (Review Completed - Accepted)
The Chemical prediction of groundwater quality in parts of Owerri in Imo State was carried out. The chemical parameters of groundwater samples from Nekede, Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Avu were subjected to chemical analysis using standard laboratory techniques . In the study, an equation was formulated that will predict the chemical concentrations of contaminants of the groundwater aquifer at any given distance in Owerri in Imo State. A total of three replicates of fifteen different borehole water samples were collected based on distances from closest potential sources of contamination.All parameters were detected up to 60m from pollution source and most of them increased in concentration during the periods, pointing to infiltrations from storm water. The results for concentration of Mn, Zn, Mg, and Hardness decreased as distance increases while further increase in distance may decrease or increase the values of Cu. Results also showed that most of the boreholes were polluted and not suitable for human consumption without adequate treatment.
This study accentuates the need to set standards for the siting of wells from septic tanks, abolishment of unhealthy waste disposal practices and introduction of modern techniques are recommended
Keywords: Chemical., Distance, Groundwater, Owerri West