Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality in parts of the niger delta,Nigeria

Detailed hydrogeochemical analysis of several samples of groundwater collected from parts of the Niger Delta, Nigeria has been carried out in an effort to assess the quality of groundwater in the area. Results obtained showed the groundwater in the area to be enriched in Na⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Cl^–, HCO ₃ ^- , and SO ₄ ^-- . The concentration of these ions as well as such parameters as salinity, total hardness, and TDS are below the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water. The concentration of Ca⁺⁺ was found to be higher than Mg⁺⁺ except in some areas very close to the coast suggesting the encroachment of saltwater. This encroachment of saltwater is further indicated by the general increase in Cl^– and a decreased in HCO ₃ ^- content towards the coast and Na/Cl ratios. On the basis of the present hydrogeochemical studies, five groundwater types have been recognized to occur in the area of study. These are (1) Sodium-Calcium-Magnesium-Bicarbonate type (Na-Ca-Mg-5HCO₃), (2) Iron-Calcium-Bicarbonate type (Fe-Ca-4HCO₃), (3) Sodium-Calcium-Magnesium-Sulfate type ( ), (4) Iron-Chloride-Bicarbonate (Fe-Cl-HCO₃), and (5) Magnesium-Chloride type (Mg-2Cl). The assemblage of groundwater types in the area shows that both compound and single groundwater types occur. The geochemical characteristics of the groundwaters are thought to be closely related to the peculiar geologic and hydrologic conditions that prevail in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria.