Multivariate Statistical and Geochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality within Challawa and Sharada Industrial Areas, Kano Metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater quality evaluation and characterization was carried out to determine the domestic and irrigation suitability of the groundwater occurrence within the Sharada and Challawa industrial estates. Hydrogeochemical field survey and sampling were undertaken with subsequent physico-chemical assessment and multivariate evaluation carried out to determine the water quality. This study revealed the area to consist of weakly acidic, low mineralized groundwater with pH of 6.0 and of Ca+Mg-HCO3 type, which is characteristic of shallow, fresh and hard-water. Parametric contributions to the groundwater are from sub surface geochemical water-rock interactions and anthropogenic activities. Drinking water quality index (DWQI) revealed excellent to good drinking water quality within both Nigerian Standard for drinking water quality (NSDWQ) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Similarly, irrigation water quality indices (IWQI) of % Na, SSP, RSBC, RBC, KR, and PS were 100% indicating excellent groundwater for such purpose. Multivariate statistical evaluation revealed strong to moderate relationship between most of the chemical variables which were formed under the same geochemical processes and environmental conditions. Though the groundwater was found to be safe for drinking (potable) and irrigation uses, intermittent evaluation of geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants is recommended for effective monitoring of the groundwater in study area.