Hydrochemical Factors and Correlation Analysis in Groundwater Quality in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study involves the determination of the hydrochemistry of groundwater and its suitability for drinking, domestic and other purposes in the area. Results show that Hardness range between 2.53mg/l - 5.06mg/l with a mean value of 3.69mg/l, indicating that the water from the area is soft. Electrical conductivity (EC) level ranges from 6.23?S/cm - 13.74?S/cm with a mean of 9.80?S/cm. pH range from 6.50 - 6.86 with a mean value of 6.66, indicating slightly acidic water. TDS range from 5.77mg/l - 18.30mg/l with a mean value of 11.4.1mg/l. Temperature ranges from 26 C - 27 C with a mean value of 26.6 C. Calcium (Ca) ranges from 2.26mg/l - 4.08mg/l with a mean of 2.97mg/l. Iron (Fe2+) range from 0.01mg/l - 0.98mg/l with a mean of 0.32mg/l. Magnesium (Mg) ranges from 0.52mg/l - 1.23mg/l with a mean of 0.89mg/l. Sodium (Na) range from 0.37mg/l - 2.38mg/l with a mean of 1.18mg/l. Potassium (K) range from 0.20mg/l - 1.62mg/l with a mean of 0.91mg/l. Chloride (Cl) range from 6.25mg/l -12.67mg/l with a mean of 9.06mg/l. Bicarbonate (HCO3) on the other hand range from 10.18mg/l - 20.48mg/l with a mean of 13.98mg/l while Sulphate (SO4) range from 0.44mg/l -2.56mg/l with a mean of 1.46mg/l) respectively. Results from the area show that the water is not highly mineralized. The values of the parameters are within permissible limits when compared with WHO 2006 and NSDWQ 2007 with exception of Iron which shows high concentration. Also the low chloride concentration indicates no salt water encroachment. The dominant cation and anion in the groundwater from the study area are Ca2+ and HCO3- respectively. The ions owe their origin to rainfall and dissolution of minerals from the Benin Formation where the wells tap from. It is recommended that seasonal variation of groundwater chemistry studies be carried out regularly to detect any future degradation in the area and the results would be used for decision and policy making.