Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Parts of Ohaji Egbema Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

摘要

Groundwater resource in Ohaji Egbema, was investigated for its quality from which inferences are drawn on its usability, prevalent hydrochemical processes in the water system and probable quality degradation. Results of the field and laboratory analysis indicate a chemical attribute of low pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC). Cationic concentrations including Na2+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ have values ranging from 5.2 - 20.3, 2 - 8, 0.96 - 9.28, and 0 - 2.3mg/l respectively whilst Anions involve NO3-, Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, with their respective values as 8.5-20.1, 8.5-24.14, 1.48-45.07 and 8.6-16.5mg/l. Selected heavy metals tested follow the order of Mn2+ > Fe > Zn2+ > Cu2+. The water quality plots reveal a hydrogeochemical process operative within the groundwater system as relating to water-soil interaction and incorporation of leached formation water along the groundwater flow path. Illatively, other parameters suggests a low mineralized soft freshwater having a limited residence time, with an onset of degradation from biochemical related substances resulting from human activities in the area. An interplay of these processes produced a chloride water type (Na(k)Cl and Cl- + SO4-). A comparison of these results with various quality guidelines, suggests that the groundwater maybe usable in its untreated state for crop irrigation but will require pH remediation to upgrade its quality for portability and use in some industries.