High Nitrate Concentrations in Shallow Aquifers in a Rural Area of Central Nigeria Caused by Random Deposits of Domestic Refuse and Excrement

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Abstract

Qualitative investigations of shallow groundwaters in a rural area of Central Nigeria have shown nitrate concentrations up to 400 mg/l NO3.

The various rock formations acting as aquifers in the area under investigation revealed slight differences with respect to nitrate contents under similar conditions. Apart from this no additional natural factors are known to affect significantly the contents of nitrate.

However, there is a significant correlation between the proximity of wells to settlements and nitrate content giving evidence that the high concentrations of nitrate are caused by domestic refuse and excrement spread in a random manner over the settlements and their surroundings.

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