Chemical Speciation of Some metal ions in Groundwaters of Yola Area Using Geochemical Model

Abstract

Chemical speciation of some metal ions in groundwaters of Yola area using geochemical model were carried out to determine the water quality of the area using the PHREEQC speciation model. The study findings based on model calculations indicated that free Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ ions are present and the consequent bioavailability are 95.83% to 99.84% at the pH ranges of 6.1 to 7.8 of the tested wells. Iron as free Fe2+ was bioavailable at 46.53% to 79.37% of the total iron. The lower values of free Fe2+ ions are related to the organic complexation of the ions. The model findings suggest that Fe2+ levels present a health risks in some water samples. The result also indicate that the concentration of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ at such level would be available for uptake by plants, animals and humans.