Evaluation of groundwater quality in Shakwatu community, part of Sheet 164 SW, Central Nigeria

Abstract

Geology, mineralogical composition of rocks and geotechnical properties (grain size and permeability) of the soil within the river in Shakwatu and environs part of Sheet 164 SW were studied. Physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater collected from boreholes, hand dug wells and river were also determined. Statistical techniques where applied to the groundwater samples to determine hydro-geochemical parameters in order to establish the relationship among the measured parameters and their sources. Results show that the area is part of the Kushaka schist belt that have been intruded by faulted gneiss, granites and quartzite. The mineralogical composition of the rocks includes biotite, feldspar and quartz. The soils falls under A – C group that consist of poorly sorted sand with low fines and are of medium to high hydraulic conductivity(2.434x10-02). The conductivity of the soil could aid in the infiltration of harmful wastes from the illegal mining activities that is prevalent in the area. The cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) and anions (Cl-, HCO3-, CO32-, SO42-, F-, NO3-, NO2-, PO43) fell within WHO and NSDWQ recommended standards. Concentration of nitrite, chromium, iron, TDS, and turbidity are beyond the permissible limit of NSDWQ and WHO. The dominant water type is CaHCO3 followed by CaNaHCO3 water type. Rock weathering and cation exchange are the major geochemical processes responsible for the water chemistry in the study area.