Geophysical Monitoring of Cyanide Contaminants Flow at Isaba Gaari Industry, Iworoko-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

The Isaba Gaari processing industry in Iworoko Ekiti, Nigeria, plays a pivotal role in
the local economy by transforming cassava into garri. Despite its economic
significance, the processing activities release cyanide, a toxic byproduct, into the
environment, resulting in contamination
of soil and groundwater. This contamination poses severe environmental and
public health risks. This study aimed
to monitor and analyze the extent of
cyanide contamination using geophysical
methods, specifically Spontaneous Potential (SP) and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES).The objectives of the study
were multifaceted: to map the spatial distribution of cyanide in the soil and
groundwater, identify the sources and
concentrations of pollutants, determine
the migration pathways of the contaminants, assess the potential risks to the
environment and public health, and provide recommendations for effective mitigation and management strategies. The
study area is characterized by its geological complexity, with diverse formations such as migmatites, gneisses, sch-
ists, and granites, influencing the behavior and movement of contaminants.The
SP survey revealed significant anomalies
in conductivity, highlighting zones
where cyanide contamination is likely
concentrated or where contaminants are
migrating. Specifically, substantial decreasing SP response were observed at
depths of 23 meters (-45 millivolts) and
29 meters (-60 millivolts), suggesting
areas with high moisture content or the
presence of conductive minerals, both
indicative of potential contaminant zones.
These findings were complemented by the
VES results, which provided detailed
subsurface profiles. VES 1 identified a
highly conductive layer with a resistivity
of 126 ohm-m, indicating significant potential for cyanide movement. VES 2 sho-
wed moderate potential for contaminant
flow, while VES 3 indicated high resistivity layers, suggesting less likelihood of contamination in these zones. The
study's results underscore the importance
of identifying and monitoring high-risk
areas to manage cyanide contamination
effectively. The identified zones of
high conductivity and low resistivity are
critical areas that require immediate attention and intervention. The study shows
that continuous monitoring and the implementation of robust mitigation measures
are essential to manage and reduce cyanide contamination. Recommendations
include adopting sustainable processing
practices, enhancing waste management
protocols, and implementing regular environmental assessments to mitigate
the risks associated with cyanide
contamination.
Keywords: Contamination, cyanide, conductivity, groundwater, pollutants