Physicochemical properties of groundwater in parts of Irun Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ten groundwater samples from hand dug wells were collected at Irun Akoko within the basement complex of part of southwestern Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the groundwater suitability for both drinking and irrigation purposes. The groundwater samples were analysed for some physical and chemical constituents including pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), turbidity, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Cl, SO₄, PO₄ and NO₃. The pH (7.0 – 7.9) and TDS (12.26 – 19.35 mg/l) of the groundwater indicate that the water is neutral to slightly alkaline and fresh respectively. The order of relative abundance for concentration of cations in the groundwater is K>Ca>Na>Mg, while that of anions is Cl>SO₄>NO₃>PO₄. The concentrations of potassium in about 90% and chloride in about 40 % of the samples were above the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. Other hydro-geochemical parameters Ca, Mg, Na, SO₄, PO₄ and NO₃ falls within the WHO standards. Values of Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) classified the water as excellent for irrigation purposes. The Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) values classified eighty percent of the water to be of good quality and the remaining samples as fair for irrigation purposes. However, using the Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (55.0 – 68.9 %) the samples may have hazardous effects on the soil. Generally, groundwater in the study area is suitable for both domestic and irrigation uses.