Spatial Analysis of Soakaway Effluent Discharge and Its Effects on Groundwater Chemical Characteristics and Portability in Rivers State, Nigeria

Wechie; R. O.; Dollah; O. C; Gobo; A. E

doi:10.56201/wjimt.v10.no9.2026.pg156.167

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Spatial Analysis of Soakaway Effluent Discharge and Its Effects on Groundwater Chemical Characteristics and Portability in Rivers State, Nigeria

Wechie, R. O., Dollah, O. C , Gobo, A. E

Abstract

Groundwater serves as a crucial source of household water in Rivers State, Nigeria, but its quality is increasingly at risk due to the prevalent utilization of soakaway pits for the disposal of wastewater. This research examined how soakaway effluent infiltration spatially affects the physicochemical properties of groundwater, and it assessed the consequences for household water usage. A cross-sectional and experimental method was utilized, where groundwater samples (N = 60) were gathered from boreholes placed at various distances (0–10 m, 11–20 m, 21–30 m, and ≥30 m) from the soakaway pits. Standard laboratory techniques were implemented to analyze important physicochemical characteristics, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation and descriptive statistics facilitated data analysis. The findings demonstrated strong and statistically meaningful correlations (p < 0.01) between distance and every parameter that was measured. Contaminants like nitrate (r = -0.88), phosphate (r = -0.91), chloride (r = -0.86), turbidity (r = - 0.89), and total dissolved solids (r = -0.85) displayed strong negative correlations with distance, indicating that as distance increased, concentration decreased. In contrast, dissolved oxygen (r = 0.79) and pH (r = 0.76) exhibited positive correlations, showcasing improved water quality at larger distances. Average nitrate levels reduced from 38.6 ± 5.4 mg/L within 0–10 m to 4.8 ± 1.1 mg/L at distances beyond 30 m, while turbidity fell from 14.8 ± 3.2 NTU to 1.4 ± 0.4 NTU, thus meeting the WHO requirement of ≤5 NTU. Groundwater found within 30 m of soakaway systems displayed high levels of contaminants, low dissolved oxygen levels (2.4 mg/L), and acidic pH (5.82), indicating it is poorly suitable for household purposes. On the other hand, water sources located more than 30 m away exhibited notable enhancements in quality. The study concludes that the infiltration of soakaway effluent is a significant factor in groundwater pollution, and distance serves a vital protective function. It is advised that rigorous compliance with safe setback distances and enhanced sanitation measures be implemented to protect groundwater resources.

Keywords

GeospatialAnalysisSoakawayDischargeInfiltrationGroundwater & Chemical Characteristics

References

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Spatial Analysis of Soakaway Effluent Discharge and Its Effects on Groundwater Chemical Characteristics and Portability in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

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