Comparative analysis of the quality of the shallow and deep aquifer waters of Nsukka se, Nigeria – a preliminary approach to water resource development .
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elixir Publishers
Abstract
Comparative analysis of the shallow and deep aquifers of Nsukka SE, Nigeria was studied as a preliminary approach for the underground water resource development of the region. Method of approach involves the identification of rock formations and delineation of their stratigraphic relationships. Activities involved collection and analysis of water samples from boreholes and hand dug wells. A total of 14 water samples were collected (7 from shallow and deep aquifer each) and analyzed for inorganic and organic components. Ca2+,Na+, Mn2+, Cl-, Pb and Cd were analyzed using Atomic absorption spectroscopy. K+ was determined using flame photometer method. Copper Cu2+ was analyzed using spectrophotometer, pH was analyzed with the aid of pH meter, Fe2+ was determined calorimetrically using Spekker absorption meter; Tds was determined using glass fiber filter. Turbimetric method was used to assess turbidity. Anions like HCO3- were also estimated by titrimetric method. Coliform analysis was carried out by the most probable number technique (MPN). The result shows that average pH for deep and shallow aquifer gives 5.8 and 6.3, sulphate 14.2 and 10.97, Nitrate 2.5 and 2.2., Phosphate 1.48 and 1.68, iron 1.98 and 1.60 magnesium 11.4 and 11.8, Sodium 1.80 and 2.4, Chloride 8.4 and 9, Tds 33.51 and 62.17. The coliform count ranges from 3/100 to 7/100 ml only for shallow aquifer (pollution), magnesium is the major contributors of hardness in both cases. Deep aquifer water plots as magnesium cation and a no dominant anion and on the transition between fresh and salt water (brackish water). The shallow aquifer has magnesium sulphate and plots in the zone of sea water, and shows hard water. The SAR for deep aquifer is 0.58, while that of shallow aquifer is 0.32 both are excellent for irrigation. Both waters are ideal for use in industries and homes, while the aquifers are highly polluted by iron, the shallow aquifer is polluted by water borne diseases. Reference to these information is ideal for the water resource development of the region.
Description
A research article on Comparative analysis of the quality of the shallow and deep aquifer waters. It contains maps, tables and illustrations.
Keywords
Aquifers, Comparison, Water quality, Nsukka SE, Anambra basin SE Nigeria, Department of Geosciences, Department of Environmental Technology
Citation
Onunkwo, A, A., Uzoije, A. P., Ibeneme, S. I. & Obioha, E. Y. (2014). Comparative analysis of the quality of the shallow and deep aquifer waters of Nsukka se, Nigeria – a preliminary approach to water resource development , Elixir Geoscience, 70; pp. 24181-24187. Available online at www.elixirpublishers.com