Temporal Transport Simulation of Heavy Metal Pollutants in Eleme Industrial Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
O. L. Gbarato *
Department of Physics, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
D. C. Okujagu
Centre for Petroleum Geosciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
C. U. Okujagu
Department of Physics, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The temporal transport of heavy metals like Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co) and Cadmium (Cd), deposited in the soil of Eleme in Rivers state Nigeria due to industrial activities was studied. Advection-Dispersion equation was used to determine the possible displacement of these metals laterally and transversely with time towards the water table. The results show a flow towards and lateral to the water table. A diffusion coefficient of 10-9 to 10-10 m2/s the pollutants drift faster towards the water table. Also, from the steady-state analysis made, the results show that these pollutants are also displaced vertically to as much as 9.6m of the static water level of 12.0metres in the study area. This level of pollution and flow of heavy metals in the area should call for a remediation strategy by the companies and other authorities concerned.
Keywords: Temporal, transport, simulation, heavy metal, pollutants, industrial area