Abstract: Congo red, a conjugated diazo dye which is a derivative of benzidine and napthionic acid, has experienced commercial success because of its ability to dye cotton easily. The unregulated disposal of textile dyes, such as Congo red, has created a challenge for environmental chemists to determine effective, inexpensive treatment processes for remediating contaminated water. Studies involving semiconductors such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO) have investigated their affects on wastewaters after being irradiated. However, few reports have described the influence temperature has on such systems. The objective of this study was to briefly characterize, via UV-Visible spectroscopic techniques, the temperature-dependency of the photocatalytic degradation of Congo red using zinc oxide and an inexpensive radiation source. The results indicate that the rate of degradation is catalytically dependent, photo-induced, and potentially temperature dependent with the greatest rate of degradation observed in trials conducted at low (~5°C) temperature. The results may also suggest the prevalence of aggregate dye formation at elevated (~40°C) temperature, although photocatalytic degradation is likely to occur concurrently.

Abstract: The objective was to investigate groundwater quality in boreholes located in Uyo urbanized state capital, and four contiguous Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ibiono Ibom, Ikot Ekpene, Itu and Nsit Ubium, under Coastal Plain Sands(CPS) formation, for spatial and temporal variability of groundwater quality and compatibility with Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ)indicating prospects of pollution diffusion due to urbanization spread. Standard examination methods were employed as well as morphological and bacteriological counts. Data on waterquality properties were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 17 for descriptive statistics, covariance (CV), ANOVA and for percentage compatibility computations. Data on Uyo samples showed the lowest values while Ibiono showed median values; heavy metals showed highest spatial variability at CV ≥ 35%. Significant difference (P < 0.1) was observed in temporal variability between 2013 and 1993 values (20 years interval). The suggested causes were: spread of pollution by construction ruts, stagnant polluted water, and vehicular traffic commuting urban-rural areas, open uncontrolled dumping of various solid/organic wastes, insanitary handling of water and wastewater and low standard of borehole drilling in rural-urban fringe adjusting to suburbanization. Compatibility with NSDWQ varied per parameter and location but were generally within acceptable standards; however, iron, lead and cadmium in the contiguous LGAs were higher in concentrations and should be periodically monitored. Bacterial counts, especially coliform count exceeded standard MPN and called for sanitation intensification.

Abstract: Three point sources of pollution of urban drainage stream, Uyo, namely: Municipal Solid Water Leachate effluent (MSWL), Municipal Waste Water (MWW) and Abattoir Waste Water (AWW),were identified and characterized using standard water examination methods to determine their constituent quality.Variance homogeneity, correlations of paired PS were tested with ANOVA and covariance using SPSS version 17. Paired samples correlations showed very high correlations (R = 92 – 99%). However, when properties were disaggregated into similar elemental constituents and tested, AWW and MSWL (in wet season) showed variance difference in solids and nutrients; all others showed variance homogeneity in heavy metals. Selective monitoring and control of common critical constituent pollutants is recommended.

Abstract: This paper makes an attempt to delineate groundwater potential zones in a catchment by using scientific information of lithology, topography, geophysical characterization and their interrelationship. On the basis of relative contribution of each of thematic layers towards groundwater potential, the weight of each thematic map has been selected. The individual theme weight was multiplied by its respective class weight and then all the raster thematic layers were aggregated in a linear combination equation. Groundwater potential zones map revealed that the plain areas are prospective zones in the catchment and can be helpful in better planning and management of ground resources.

Abstract: Availability of water for daily activities has constituted serious challenge at the College of Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. Hence, geophysical study of the College was conducted to investigate its groundwater potential with a view to proffer solution to water availability in the study area. Profiling and Vertical electrical sounding methods were employed using Dipole - Dipole and Schlumberger configuration respectively. Eight points were sounded along three traverses and one profile was occupied. Five different subsurface lithologic units were established namely; lateritic topsoil, sandy-clay, weathered basement, fractured basement and, fresh basement. The curve types range between simple K, H to complex HA, HK and KH. The topsoil, sandy-clay and weathered basement materials are characterised with relatively low resistivity values while the fresh basement materials are characterized with high resistivity values. The average resistivity and thickness values for the topsoil are 178Ωm and 1.0m respectively. Sandy-clay was encountered in six locations with average resistivity and thickness values of 23Ωm and 7.0m respectively. Weathered basement was encountered in six locations with average resistivity and thickness values of 231Ωm and 8.0m respectively. Fractured basement was encountered in four locations with average resistivity and depth to the top of fracture values of 294Ωm and 18.0m respectively. Basement is relatively shallow in the study area, it was encountered in three locations and the average resistivity and depth values to the top of basement are 1000Ωm, and 11.0m respectively. Overburden thickness was established in six locations with an average value of 11.0m. The combination of overburden materials with the fractured basement constitutes aquiferous units within the study area. The groundwater potential of the area is rated as medium with VES 2 and 5 more promising.