Potability Of Shallow Groundwater In Enugu Town, Southeastern Nigeria

Eighty-eight (88) samples of the groundwater in Enugu have been studied in order to evaluate its potability. The parameters of interest are common waste-derivable chemical constituents such as nitrate (NO3-), chloride (Cl-) and sulphate (SO42-), and indicator micro-organisms, like Escherichia coli. The study showed that about twenty-two percent (22%) of the samples have concentrations of NO3- higher than the WHO permissible level (45mg/l) while eight out of the ten samples analyzed to test the bacteriological quality of the groundwater showed evidence of sewage contamination. The identification of E. coli in the water indicates faecal contamination. Improvement in the management of domestic wastes, such as the use of a central sewer, will preserve the aquifer, and consequently improve the quality of the groundwater. KEY WORDS: Bacteriological examination, Enugu town, groundwater, potability, shallow aquifer. Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol.3(1&2) 2004: 33-3

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf goats fed ensiled cassava leaves with or without molasses and caged layer waste

The study was conducted to evaluate the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African dwarf goats fed ensiled cassava leaves with molasses and caged layer waste. Eighteen West African dwarf goats were randomly assigned to three experimental diets consisting of cassava leaves ensiled alone (ECF), cassava leaves ensiled with 5% molasses (ECFM) and cassava leaves ensiled with 5% caged layer waste (ECFP) in a Completely Randomized Design. Results obtained showed that ensiling with molasses resulted in lower DM, CP, NDF, tannin and HCN levels. Crude protein intake was similar in ECF and ECFM but lower (P < 0.05) in ECFP ranging from 161.28 - 172.71g/d. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and lymphocyte concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) highest in ECFP but similar with the values obtained for ECF. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil and monocytes contents in all the treatments. The highest significant (P < 0.05) value of 36.7g/l was obtained in ECFM and values of 29.4 and 24.0g/l in ECF and ECFP respectively for globulin. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in AST content in all the treatments. ALT value of 16.5 IU/L was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in ECF and different from the values of 12.0 IU/L obtained in both ECFM and ECFP respectively. It is concluded that cassava leaves can be conveniently ensiled with 5% of both molasses and caged layer waste without adverse effects on the haematological and biochemical status of WAD goats.Keywords: Haematology, serum, molasses, caged layer wast

Evaluation of hydrochemical characteristics and flow directions of groundwater quality in Udi Local Government Area Enugu State, Nigeria

A hydrogeological study was conducted at the Udi Local Government Area in south-eastern region of Nigeria to examine the hydrochemical constituent of groundwater and determine the quality for drinking and agricultural purposes. Results show that groundwater in the area is slightly acidic to slightly basic, soft and potable, when compared with the World Health Organisation standards for drinking water, and is suitable for agricultural purposes. The groundwater flow direction was determined to establish the implications of pollution from any water contamination. Twenty-one groundwater samples from existing boreholes were collected and analysed for various physicochemical parameters using standard field and laboratory techniques. Distribution of major ions was plotted on a Trilinear Piper diagram. Ajali Sandstone, known as major aquiferous layer in the area, outcrops predominately in sandy bed with medium to coarse-grained sediments. The aquifers are unconfined, semi-confined and with hydraulic conductivity values ranging from 9.0 x 10(-2) to 8.5 x 10(-2) m/day indicating medium transmissivity of groundwater in some areas and a flow net south to northward groundwater flow towards the coast. This explains why the aquifer does not appear to be very permeable and only provides a medium yield of good quality water in some regions of the study area