AN EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF GURARA DAM ON SOIL AND WATER QUALITY WITHIN THE CATCHMENT IN KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

This study evaluates Gurara dam impact on soil and water quality within the catchment. Its objectives were to assess the soil quality of Gurara dam catchment area; compare the quality of soil in the EM baseline data with the present soil quality; assess the quality of surface water within Gurara dam catchment area and compare the quality of surface water in the EM baseline data with the present surface water quality. The result of this research work was gathered through laboratory analysis of soil and water samples collected within Gurara dam catchment. Data collected were analysed using mean, range coefficient of variance and student 7' lest. This study found that soil nutrient has reduce due to erosion caused by dam, The concentration load of soil nutrients such as nitrate, sulphate, phosphate and chloride ranged from 3.4mg/kg — 5.9mg/kg; 8.95mg/kg — 80.1 mg/kg; 0.4mg/kg — 0.8mg/kg; and 18mg/kg — 23mg/kg for these parameters respectively; there is a significant difference in soil quality in terms of nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, chloride and organic matter but not for pH, temperature and electrical conductivity between present soil samples and EM baseline data; all water quality parameters measured were within NESREA limits for irrigation except for, DO, BOD and COD; all surface water quality parameters vary between the EM and the present surface water quality but only BOD changed significant, it was concluded that dam have significant negative impacts on soil and water quality as some soil and water quality parameters have been altered significant after dam construction. Thus this study recommended among other things the implementation of the environmental management plan listed in the EIA.