Impacts of Debris-Flow Deposits on Hydrogeochemical Processes and the Development of Dryland Salinity in the Cross-River Catchment, SE, Nigeria

This research focuses on the effect of debris-flow on thevarious hydrogeochemical processes occurring at Cross-River as aresult of disposal of industrial and household wastes as well as sewage into the river. It also focuses on development anddetermination of the saline nature of the rivers dry land.The study is carried out by a survey at different depths of theriver for water and soil samples analysis.The results show that concentrations of cations and anionsreasonably high and uniform except for nitrates which is quitehigh due to agricultural activities occurring in the study areas.Also Mg and SO₄ ions are high due to reactions within thecolluvium include ion exchange of calcium for sodium in basalclays; dissolution of sodium chloride from dust – derived saltparticles in the clay-rich colluvium reactions.The Electrical conductive shows that Cross-River containsdissolved solids. Soil analysis indicates the presence of K, Ca,Mg, and Cl. pH values were also deducted from soil samples (6.30–6.45).