Hydrogeochemistry of shallow groundwater in Kurgwi and environs, North-central Nigeria

Abstract

A hydrogeochemical study of groundwater was carried out in Kurgwi and Environs. The aim of the study was to determine the chemical composition of the various water sources in the area and their suitability for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes. Forty (40) water samples from shallow (hand-dug) wells were collected and analysed. Major cations and trace elements were analysed using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer and the anions and bicarbonate were determined by double VV-visible spectrophotometer (Hitachi model 2000).and titration methods respectively. Results of laboratory analysis and plots on Piper Trillinear diagrams show the dominant water type in the area to be Ca-Na-HCO₃ water. Physico-chemical parameters of waters in the areas show most concentrations are within WHO permissible limits for drinking. However, calcium, potassium, TDS, total hardness and electrical conductivity are above the WHO upper limits in few locations and so are aluminium, iron, and manganese. Geogenic sources as well as minor anthropogenic activities have been observed to be the major control on the composition of groundwater in the area. Groundwater in the area is generally not very suitable for domestic purpose such as laundry, but is suitable for livestock and irrigation purposes.

Keywords: Hydrogeochemical, Groundwater, Concentration, Total Hardness, Major Cations