Vulnerability of Groundwater Contamination Due to Bitumen Exploration and Exploitation Site: Implication for Environmental Sustainability
By Oladimeji O. R., Ugbebor, J. N., Ugwoha, E.
Groundwater is an essential resource, particularly in areas with industrial activities such as bitumen exploration. This study assesses groundwater vulnerability, groundwater-bitumen interaction, and baseline groundwater quality within the Southwest Bitumen proposed project area. The protective capacity of overlying geological materials was evaluated using longitudinal conductance values, revealing that aquifers with lower values are more vulnerable to contamination. Findings indicate that bitumen layers occur at varying depths, with some intercalated with groundwater-bearing zones, increasing the risk of hydrocarbon contamination. The groundwater quality assessment focused on physico-chemical and microbiological parameters from hand-dug wells across ten host communities, compared with control samples. Results showed seasonal variations in temperature (26.00 - 26.60°C in wet season vs. 28.80 - 31.2°C in dry season), electrical conductivity (142 - 263 µS/cm in wet season vs. 102 - 278 µS/cm in dry season), and total dissolved solids (TDS) (51 - 139 mg/L in dry season), though all remained within WHO potable water limits. However, turbidity (2.50 - 49.0 NTU) and pH (4.25 - 6.47) in some locations exceeded regulatory limits, indicating potential groundwater contamination risks. The study underscores the need for continuous groundwater monitoring, the implementation of mitigation measures, and sustainable management practices to prevent the degradation of this vital resource.