Mining Activities and Its Hydrogeochemical Implication: A Case Study of Ijero Mining Site Southwestern Nigeria.

This study is aimed at assessing the hydrochemical implications of mining activities on the quality of the groundwater resources in Kusa Mining Hill, Ijero Ekiti in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Water samples were taken from five mining pits within the mining site. Physicochemical parameters examined were pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), etc. The results indicate Mg>Ca>Na>K. Chloride is the dominant anions among bicarbonate, sulphate and nitrate. Heavy metals which include Copper, Zinc and Iron were present at a trace level. Results show that the water were within the standards approved by WHO and NAFDAC which makes the water accepted for domestic, agricultural and industrial use, although bacteriological analysis and treatment may be required to remove odor and color. The research highlights the danger associated with unregulated mining act and related diseases that accompany this practice.