No abstract

This study investigates variation of termite mounds in relation to the control soils around our environment that are not hindered by the termites at various locations at The Polytechnic; Ibadan, Oyo State, southwest Nigeria. From the study area, five termitaria were selected at random. At the core of termitaria, soil samples were taken at a distance of 7.5m and 15m to the both side of termitaria. Twenty five (25 soil samples were collected in all and were subjected to geotechnical properties such as natural moisture content, grain size analysis, california bearing ratio (CBR) test, Atterberg’s limits, and unconfined compressive strength test. The results proved that termite mound soil have better geotechnical properties compared to surrounding control soil. The betterment was attributed to the activities of termites in termitaria thus increasing the strength parameters present in the soil.

Abundant as it may seem in Nigeria, access to clean and potable water is a great challenge. Hence the reason for determination of the physico-chemical properties of the groundwater in Agbowo community in Ibadan, Oyo state Southwestern Nigeria for domestic uses. Water samples collected from thirty-four (34) shallow wells with varying depths were subjected to chemical analysis. The water quality parameters were analyzed in accordance to standard methods. The groundwater analysis reviewed includes pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), others include Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺ Na⁺, Fe²⁺, NO₃, Cl^- SO₄^2- and HCO₃^-The results indicated that the parameters analyzed have some falling within the limits and some above the maximum permissible limits in accordance to Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water. In general, the data revealed that maxima and minima concentrations of the priority physico-chemical water quality parameters examined in the thirty-four (34) water points were mostly within the Target Water Quality Range (TWQR) for domestic use with little exceptions at some points. However, high nitrate concentrations and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) above the permissible limits in some of the well water sampled are causes for serious concern. Poor construction, lack of maintenance, proximity to sewage tank and stream, as well as indiscriminate dumping of refuse are suggested as the major causes of this development. The overall implication of this observation call for sustenance and improved water resource management strategy for the area in order to prevent the deterioration of the water sources quality, which may pose associated health risks and environmental hazards.