EVIRONMENTAL EFFECT OF ARTISINAL AND SMALL SCALE MINING ACTIVITIES ON WATER QUALITY IN GURARA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract Artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) activities have been identified as a major economic activity in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. This study evaluated the environmental effect of ASM activities on the environment of Gurara LGA. The study utilized data from the ASM sites especially the soil ad samples to ascertain physio-chemical parameters ad heavy metal in waters. The result obtained were compared to the WHO acceptable standards. The results indicated that most of the water samples were polluted with lead, Aluminum, Zinc, among others and thus, unsafe for domestic use and aquatic life. Also, the concentration of the lead, Aluminum and Zinc in the water sample was found to be higher than that of the control sample especially during the wet season, it has, thus, been discovered that ASM activities have significant effects on the water quality of the study area, because the water in the area. Therefore, there is the need for urgent measures to monitor ad regulate the mining activities in the area, in order to reduce the effects on environmental quality especially the water.