Title: Hydrogeochemical quality and characterisation around the sediment-basement contact of Akamkpa and environs Southeastern Nigeria

Authors: Gregory Udie Sikakwe

Addresses: Department of Physics/Geology/Geophysics, Faculty of Science, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, P.M.B. 1010, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract: Twelve water samples were collected around the Odukpani-Akamkpa southeastern Nigeria. The goal was to assess the drinking water sources in the farming and quarrying land use areas. This was achieved by determining hydrochemical facies, water types and suitability of the water quality for domestic, irrigation and other uses. Concentrations of Fe, Mn, As and NH₄⁺ recorded mean values that exceeded acceptable limits for potable water using potable water guidelines and are potentially toxic elements. Ferruginous waters rust borehole installation materials, impart reddish colour while arsenic is carcinogenic. (NH₄⁺) recorded the highest cationic mean value in the water samples. The ionic ratios: Na⁺/Ca²⁺, HCO₃⁻/Cl indicated fresh water condition. The ionic ratio values of Cl⁻/HCO₃⁻, CEV and Mg/Ca²⁺ show that the groundwater is of low salt inland origin. The water type in the study area is HCO₃⁻, Na+K and Cl-SO₄²⁻, Na+Mg. Cations trend as: NH₄⁺>Ca²⁺>Mg²⁺>Na⁺>K⁺. Anions trend in the order HCO₃⁻>Cl⁻>SO₄²⁻>NO₃⁻.

Keywords: hydrochemical facies; potable water; irrigation; water types/quality; ferruginous waters; potentially toxic; carcinogenic; ionic ratios; farming; quarrying.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2018.097939

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2018 Vol.21 No.3/4, pp.202 - 218

Accepted: 17 Nov 2018
Published online: 22 Feb 2019 *

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