CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Water quality is a critical aspect of environmental science, particularly concerning its use in various applications, including construction and habitat creation. Understanding the mineral concentration in both surface and underground water is crucial for determining its suitability for such applications. The comparative analysis of mineral concentrations in surface water and groundwater at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Biological Garden provides valuable insights into the potential applications and uses of these water sources in creating concrete pond habitats.

Surface water and groundwater are two primary sources of water for many applications. Surface water, which includes rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, is directly exposed to environmental conditions and human activities, making it susceptible to various pollutants (Gonçalves et al., 2020). In contrast, groundwater, which is stored in aquifers beneath the Earth's surface, is generally less contaminated by surface activities but can still be affected by natural processes and human interventions (Borgwardt et al., 2019). Both water sources have distinct mineral compositions that can influence their usability in different contexts.

The IMT Biological Garden, located in Enugu, Nigeria, is a significant site for studying these water sources due to its diverse flora and fauna. This garden's unique setting provides a natural laboratory for comparing the mineral concentrations in the surrounding surface and underground water (Eze et al., 2021). The mineral content of water can significantly impact its quality and suitability for various uses. For instance, high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium can affect water hardness, which, in turn, influences its suitability for concrete production (Shao et al., 2023). Conversely, low mineral concentrations might indicate a different set of characteristics that could be advantageous or detrimental depending on the intended application.

Concrete ponds, created for aesthetic or ecological purposes, often require specific water quality standards to maintain their structural integrity and support aquatic life (Kumar et al., 2022). The mineral composition of the water used in these ponds can affect the concrete's durability and the pond's ecosystem health. Understanding how the mineral concentrations in surface and groundwater compare can help in selecting the most appropriate water source for creating these habitats.

Recent studies have shown that mineral concentrations in water bodies are influenced by various factors, including geological formations, land use, and climate (Mason et al., 2021). For instance, surface water often contains higher levels of suspended particles and dissolved minerals due to runoff from agricultural and industrial activities (Sharma et al., 2019). In contrast, groundwater mineral content is influenced by the dissolution of minerals from soil and rock formations through which the water has passed (Berg et al., 2020).

By analyzing the mineral concentration in surface and underground water at the IMT Biological Garden, this study aims to provide insights into the potential applications of these water sources in concrete pond creation. The findings will offer valuable information for selecting the most suitable water type for maintaining the quality and functionality of concrete ponds and ensuring the health of aquatic ecosystems (Zhou et al., 2023).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The mineral concentration in water sources directly impacts their suitability for various applications, including the creation of concrete pond habitats. At the IMT Biological Garden, both surface and groundwater are available, yet their mineral compositions may differ significantly due to environmental and geological factors. This study aims to address the gap in knowledge regarding how these mineral concentrations compare and their implications for using these water sources in concrete pond construction. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the most appropriate water source to ensure the durability of the concrete and the health of the pond ecosystem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the comparative mineral concentration of surface water and groundwater at the IMT Biological Garden and their potential applications in creating concrete pond habitats.

Specific objectives include:

i.               To evaluate the impact of different mineral concentrations on the quality and durability of concrete used in pond construction.

ii.              To determine the suitability of surface and groundwater for maintaining optimal conditions in concrete ponds.

iii.            To find out how variations in mineral composition affect the ecological balance within concrete pond habitats.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of varying mineral concentrations in surface and groundwater on the quality and durability of concrete used for pond construction?

ii. What is the suitability of surface water versus groundwater for maintaining optimal conditions in concrete ponds?

iii. How do variations in mineral composition influence the ecological balance within concrete pond habitats?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study provides essential insights into the mineral composition of surface and groundwater, offering guidance for selecting the most suitable water source for concrete pond creation. By understanding how different mineral concentrations affect concrete quality and pond ecology, this research contributes to the development of more durable and sustainable concrete ponds. Furthermore, the findings can help improve water management practices and enhance environmental sustainability in similar contexts.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study encompasses the analysis of mineral concentrations in both surface and groundwater sources at the IMT Biological Garden. It includes evaluating the impact of these concentrations on concrete quality and pond ecology. The study is limited to the specific geographic area of the IMT Biological Garden and focuses on the immediate implications for concrete pond construction and maintenance.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

Limitations of this study include potential variability in mineral concentrations due to seasonal changes or environmental factors not accounted for in the analysis. Additionally, the study is constrained to the specific location of the IMT Biological Garden, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions with different geological and environmental conditions.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Surface Water: Water that is found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which is directly exposed to the atmosphere and subject to pollution from surrounding activities.

Groundwater: Water that is stored in aquifers beneath the Earth's surface, which typically has lower levels of pollutants compared to surface water but can still be influenced by geological and environmental factors.

Mineral Concentration: The amount of dissolved minerals in water, which can affect water quality and its suitability for various uses, including concrete production.

Concrete Pond: A man-made pond constructed using concrete, often for aesthetic or ecological purposes, requiring specific water quality standards to ensure its durability and functionality.

Ecological Balance: The state of equilibrium within an ecosystem, which can be influenced by factors such as water quality and mineral concentrations in artificial habitats like concrete ponds.

Tags:   ANALYSIS OF MINERAL CONCENTRATION OF SURFACE WATER   UNDERGROUND WATER IN IMT BIOLOGICAL GARDEN AND POSSIBLE APPLICATION   USE OF SURFACE WATER AND UNDERGROUND WATER IN IMT BIOLOGICAL GARDEN