Geology and Chemical Characterisation of Groundwater in Kafin-Koro and its Environs, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater within Kafin-Koro and environs, North central Nigeria were determined in order to ascertain the chemical quality of the resource. This was achieved by subjecting the 15 water samples to chemical analysis using the titration, flame photometric, electrometric, nephometric and colorimetric method. Statistical techniques were applied to the result of the groundwater analyses to determine the hydrogeochemical parameters in order to establish the relationship between the measured parameters and their sources. From various statistical analysis the cations (Ca2+ , Mg2+ , Na+ , K+ ) and anions (Cl- , HCO3- , CO32- , SO42- , F- , NO3- , NO2- , PO43-) fell within WHO recommended standard as well as heavy metals like (Zn,Mn,Cu) with exception of Iron and manganese which are found higher than the acceptable limits in some locations. The dominant water type is CaHCO3 representing 86.67% as well as mixed CaNaHCO3water type that accounts for 13.33%. Groundwater in the study area is found to be suitable for drinking, livestock feeding as recommended by WHO and NSWQD. The studied groundwater is also good for irrigation purposes as revealed by irrigation indices such as Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), % sodium (SSP), Magnesium ratio (MR) and Permeability index (PI). Gibbs plot, stoichiometric ratio and Chloro-Alkaline Indices (CAI) show rock weathering, cation exchange and carbonate weathering as major geochemical processes responsible for the water chemistry in the study area