Characterization of the Hydrochemistry, Scaling and Corrosivity Tendencies, and Irrigation Suitability of the Water of the Rivers Karawa and Iyiaji

Ogechi Lilian Alum, Hillary Onyeka Abugu (), Vivian Chinekwu Onwujiogu, Arinze Longinus Ezugwu, Johnbosco C. Egbueri, Chiedozie Chukwuemeka Aralu, Ifeanyi Adolphus Ucheana, Jude Chukwudi Okenwa, Chidinma Christiana Ezeofor, Samuel Ibezim Orjiocha and Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha
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Ogechi Lilian Alum: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
Hillary Onyeka Abugu: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
Vivian Chinekwu Onwujiogu: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
Arinze Longinus Ezugwu: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
Johnbosco C. Egbueri: Department of Geology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka 432107, Uli Anambra State, Nigeria
Chiedozie Chukwuemeka Aralu: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420007, Anambra State, Nigeria
Ifeanyi Adolphus Ucheana: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
Jude Chukwudi Okenwa: Department of Chemistry, Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu 400271, Enugu State, Nigeria
Chidinma Christiana Ezeofor: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
Samuel Ibezim Orjiocha: Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-33

Abstract: Assessing water quality is necessary to ascertain its viability for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes. A total of 48 water samples were, respectively, drawn from the Rivers Karawa and Iyiaji located in Ezeagu and Uzo-uwani which are typical rural areas in Enugu State, Nigeria. These samples were taken in two seasons (early rainy season and late dry season). Physicochemical properties were determined using standard methods. The scaling and corrosivity potentials of the water were evaluated using the Larson-Skold index, aggressive index, Puckorius scaling index, and Ryznar stability index models. Additionally, seven irrigation evaluation criteria, as well as spatial distribution maps, were used to determine the suitability of the river waters for irrigation purposes and to interpolate the spatial distribution of the river water quality parameters. Major ion chemistry was used in the assessments. The physicochemical properties of river waters fell within the recommended standard values. However, NO 3 − greatly exceeded the recommended range in both rivers. The cations and anions from River Karawa were Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > K + > Na + and NO 3 − > Cl − > SO 4 2− > HCO 3 − > CO 3 − > PO 4 − , while those from River Iyiaji were Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > Na + > K + and Cl − > SO 4 2− >NO 3 − > PO 4 − > HCO 3 − > CO 3 − . A piper plot showed the predominance of Ca 2+ and Mg + , as well as SO 4 2− and Cl − , in both rivers. The seven irrigation assessment indices indicated that the water of the Rivers Karawa and Iyiaji is suitable for irrigation purposes. In addition, the scaling and corrosivity models predicted that the river waters have high scaling and corrosivity potentials. Specifically, while the aggressive index suggested that it is severely corrosive, the Langelier saturation index suggested that the water from both rivers is supersaturated and, thus, has potential to scale.

Keywords: physicochemical parameters; industrial water quality; irrigation water assessment; river water; statistical analysis; water quality assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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