Environmental geology deals with the study of the adverse geologic
conditions associated with the earth crust on a local or regional scale.
The study area is
underlain by hard and well-consolidated rock mass. The rapid alteration of the
pyroclastics and shales due to quarrying may have favoured processes that
initiate geologic and environmental hazards. The geologic hazard observed in
the study area is flooding and suspected landslide. A major environmental
hazard in the study area is pollution.
The study area is mainly
shale and considering the behvaiour of shales, during the rainy season, the
shales in Abakaliki especially in the farmlands absorb water and swells. This
swelling leads to the area being water-logged eg Azu-Iyiudene and Agbaja
village. It also leads to the place being swampy and slippery.
Environmental
hazards in the study area due to flooding include diseases of the lungs which
is prevailing according to the people living around where the quarries are
situated. Malaria is also common owned to the fact that the abandoned mines,
which collect rain water, breed mosquitoes.
However, the
flooding of this area has made it a good place for cultivaton of rice.
5.2.2 Landslides And Slumps
The quarrying activities in
the study area poses a great geologic hazard. In the study area, no landslide
was observed but one could occur due to the disturbances by the quarrying
activities to the bedrocks. There are a lot of abandoned pits in this area,
which could aid flooding and could also cause a major landslide or slump.
5.2.3 Pollution
Quarrying activity is the
main source of pollination in the study area. The dust and ash released into
the atmosphere from the quarries has an effect on the climate and hydrogeology
of the area. These particles cause a haze during dry season and are suspended
in the air. Rain can wash down these quarried particles (dust and ash) and they
will find their way into the shallow groundwater system in the area.
Moreso, prolonged inhalation of these particles and drinking of
contaminated water could cause lung diseases and stomach upset. Also the
accumulation in the atmosphere may lead to low visibility.