Assessment of the Hydrogeochemistry of the Groundwater Resources of Gwoza, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out in Gwoza town of Borno Sate to assess the chemistry of groundwater of Gwoza Local Government. Eighteen (18) groundwater samples were collected for the purpose of this study; samples were analyzed for their physical parameters at spot using field kits combined pH/EC/TDS/Temperature meter model Mi 806 were also used for measuring physical parameters. GPS was used in locating the sampling points. Sodium and Potassium were analyzed by flame photometry method; Calcium and Magnesium were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method using AAS-400 PerkinElmer model type. Iron was determined using spectrophotometer, Photometric method was used to determine sulphate while chloride was analysed using argentometric of bicarbonate HCO₃^- and carbonate CO₃^-2 From the result obtained Na⁺ range from 26-200 mg/L, K range from 7 – 59 mg/L, Ca⁺² range from 45- 290 mg/L, Cl^-2 range from 20 – 264 mg/L, HCO₃^-2 range from 120.06 - 292 .9 mg/L, NO₃^-2 range from 14 – 670 mg/L, SO₄ range from 0 – 79 mg/L, Fe²⁺ range from 0.08 – 0.44 mg/L, Mn⁺² range from 0.00 – 0.20 mg/L and Mg²⁺ range from 0.45 – 1.95 mg/L. The results of the analyses were compared with the WHO standards of drinking water indicates that Cl^-2 and NO₃^-2 in some locations are above the permissible limit while all other elements are within the set standard. Therefore the water is not safe for drinking and bacteriological analysis is recommended for the area.