Impact of Coal Mining on Water Quality in Maiganga, Akko Local Government Area, Gombe State

Abstract

Mining sector is very important because it provides foreign exchange earnings, jobs and socioeconomic development. It also serves as a source of energy or fuel to some industries. However, coal mining activities are often associated with environmental degradation (water, soil, air and even noise pollution). Maiganga coal mine is not an exception to the effect of coal mining activities. The study examines the impact of coal mining on water quality in Maiganga communities. The physical and chemical concentrations in water samples were analyzed for trace metals. The results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standard. Both primary and secondary sources were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using tables and graphs. The result shows that all the sources of water are acidic (from pH of 6.18 - 6.63). The Total Suspended Solid (TSS) exceed the permissible limit (10mg/l) and Total Solids (TS) is high and ranges from 173mg/l - 414mg/1. These indicates that the water has a lot of suspended solids and various metals, which are likely to cause ailment like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea etc. The normal value for Manganese required for human growth and development is 19-20g/kg, but in all the study area, the Manganese content ranges between (0.04-0.07mg/l). Copper (Cu), Arsenate (As) and Zinc were detected in small quantity in Kantagari well and Garin Alhaji Shugaba borehole. The results of the study have revealed that in all the water sources, there are concentrations of metals which affect the water pH. This makes the water acidic and can cause different challenges on human health. The results also show high concentration of TDS, TSS and TS which signifies the presence of dissolved metals which affect the water quality with potentials of causing diseases like nervous system disease which can affects the brain and spinal cord.