Effects of Baryte Mining on Water Quality in Azara-Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study seeks to ascertain the extent of baryte mining pollution on water quality in Azara-Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa state of Nigeria. To achieve this goal, two surface water and fourteen underground water samples were obtained in the study area. Nitric acid (0.2%) was added to water samples to preserve it for laboratory test. The analysis was carried out at Analytical Laboratory of the National Metallurgical Development Agency, Jos Nigeria. The parameters analyzed includes; Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Salinity Total Dissolved Solid, Nitrate, Sulphate, Iron, Tin, Zinc, Copper, Cyanide Cadmium, Chromium, Total Hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese and Nickel. The analyzed results were compared to the permissible limits as prescribed by the Federal Ministry of Environment of Nigeria. Results reveal that all parameters of the analyzed surface water fell within the permissible limits. Findings from the fourteen underground water samples analyzed, depicts that all the parameters are within the permissible limits, except sample one of which the copper content 0.137mg/l is above the permissible limit of 0.1mg/l. Sample 10 and 11 out of the 14 samples fell within the permissible limit of the total hardness, while sample 4 and 12 out of the 14 samples are above the permissible limit of 50mg/l of Magnesium content. It pertinent to introduce sustainable measure in the process of baryte mining activity to reduce its impacts on underground water quality. There is need for advocacy campaign to enlighten artisanal baryte miners on the direct link between their operations and environmental degradation.

Keywords: Baryte, Mining, Water Quality, Heavy Metals.