Indexed in
Scopus Compendex and Geobase Elsevier, Chemical
Abstract Services-USA, Geo-Ref Information Services-USA
ISSN 0974-5904, Volume 05, No. 04
www.cafetinnova.org
August 2012, P.P. 659-664
Quality Status of Groundwater in Igwuruta Area, Ikwerre L. G. A,
Rivers State, Nigeria
SORONNADI - ONONIWU, C. G1. OMOBORIOWO, A. O2. ALOZIE, B. E3 CHIADIKOBI, K. C4.
CHIAGHANAM, O. I4. ACRA, E. J1. OYANYAN, R. O2. and SANGOREMI, A5
1
Department of Geology,Niger Delta University,Amassoma,Nigeria
Department of Geology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
3
Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Port Harcourt,Nigeria.
4
Department of Geology,Anambra State University Uli,Anambra State,Nigeria
5
Department of Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Email: dayoboriowo@yahoo.co.uk
2
Abstract: Detailed study of the physical and chemical quality analyses of several groundwater samples wascarried
out in an attempt to assess the potability of groundwater in Igwuruta area. A total of 15 number of boreholes were
involved in the water sampling for quality analysis. The waters did not have objectionable colour, odour or taste and
were not turbid. The pH values ranges from 4.27-5.30,this shows acidic and aggressive groundwater in the area. The
dominant cations include Ca2+ with mean values of 18.65.The carbonate, Nitrate and Sulphate dominate the anion.
CO3-, NO3-. SO42-.have mean values of 13.31, 1.40, 2.16mg/l respectively.The groundwater in the area is generally
soft, and free from saltwater intrusion, with low iron constituents. Therefore, the groundwater of the area is
generally of acceptable quality for household, industrial and agricultural purpose
Keywords: Carbonate,Grounwter,,Igwuruta,Ikwerre,Quality
Introduction:
Groundwater provide, more than half the drinking water
consumed by lgwuruta Community today. The
advantages of groundwater over other sources are
enormous. Generally, it is free of pathogenic organisms
and needs no purification for domestic or industrial
uses, the temperature is nearly constant, turbidity and
colour are generally absent, chemical composition is
commonly constant.
The quality of water usually available for exploitation is
often limited by the geography and geology of the area
under consideration. There are discharge areas, where
groundwater rises to the surface, and recharge areas,
where rain and run-off percolate down to replenish
supplies. Thegroundwater movement is affected by the
type of rock comprising the aquifer; water moves
quickly through loosely packed layers of rock, slowly
through more impermeable ones. Shallow unconfined
aquifers are more vulnerable to contamination than are
deep ones protected by overlying layers of rock.
Everyday activities of people in an area can bring about
possible pollution of groundwater, activities like
changing of used engine oil which are left to be washed
away by the next rain, others are herbicide, fertilizer,
deliberate dumping of waste, leaks from underground
tanks (mainly gasoline), septic tanks. It is therefore
imperative to determine the suitability of groundwater
before use. The chemistry of groundwater in any
geological environment is controlled by several factors
viz: the chemistry of the infiltrating water at the
recharge source, the chemistry of the porous medium
including the interstitial cement or matrix of the aquifer,
the rate of groundwater flow, in the aquiferous medium
and hence the permeability of the aquifer and the travel
time of the water through the environment.
The quality of water for various purpose, viz: domestic,
irrigation and industry, depends on the concentration of
these substances. Results of water quality are usually
compared with establishment by international regulatory
bodies such as the World Health Organizations (WHO),
Federal Environmental Protection Agéncy (FEPA) and
National Agency ForFood, Drugs And Administrative
Control (NAFDAC). This research work is prompted by
the ever increasing population in the study area, that
depend heavily on groundwater and the fear that
continual abstraction could lead to environmental
problems such as saltwater Intrusion, subsidence or
water crisis.
Study Area:
The study area is located in the lkwerre Local
Government Area of Rivers State. It is situated between
latitude 5.°001N and longitude 7°.001E. Igwuruta is
#02050403 Copyright ©2012 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.
SORONNADI - ONONIWU, C. G. OMOBORIOWO, A. O. ALOZIE, B. E
CHIADIKOBI, K. C. CHIAGHANAM, O. I. ACRA, E. J. OYANYAN, R. O. and SANGOREMI, A
bounded by Omagwa in the North West, in the North
East, by Etche L.G.A., and in the South by Rukpokwu.
Research Objectives
To study the physical and chemical water qualities of
the groundwater within the area, to determine the
dominant cations and anions and their influence on the
groundwater of the area,compare the results of the study
with international specification (WHO Standard) in
order to determine their suitability for domestic use.
Geology Andhydrogeology of the Niger Delta:
The geology of the study area falls under that of the
Niger Delta which has been described by various
workers such as Burke (1972) Short and Stauble (1967;
Short and Stauble1967; Whiteman (1982). The Niger
Delta is located in the continental margin of West
Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. The present day Niger
Delta according to Short and Stauble (1967) is divided
into three major lithostratigraphic units namely the
Akata; Agbada, Benin Formations
660
massive porous freshwater continental (fluviatile) sand
with shale intercalations and overall thickness ranges
from 0 - 21 30m in the Niger Delta. The formation has
been described as the most prolific aquifer in the Niger
Delta (Etu-Efeotor and Akpokodje, 1990).
Climate and Drainage:
The climate of the study area is that of tropical
rainforest with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet
season is characterized by a period a prolonged period
of rainfall which extends from April to October, while
the dry season is characterized by a period of dry hot
weather. This season extends from November to March
including the harmathan period (Offodile, 1992). The
mean annual rainfall ranges from 2000mm (inland) to
over 4000mm at the coast (Akpokodje, 2001; Offodile
1992). Hazel (1999) estimated the average precipitation
in the area to be about 3114 x 1012 litres, based on an
average rainfall of 240cm per annum.
The Benin Formation:
Some proportion of the rainfall is lost by run-off, and
evapotranspiration. The delta is dissected by a dense
network of rivers and creeks, which maintain a delicate
but dynamic equilibrium between saline, estuarine and
freshwater surface bodies with complex underground
extensions (Abams 1999). The Rivers Niger drains a
large part of West African and discharges its waters,
sediments and other loads including exotic species into
the Niger Delta and its extensions into the Atlantic
Ocean. Over the years, this process has resulted in the
formation 290of a complex and fragile delta with rich
biodiversity (Awosika 1990). In order to accommodate
this natural diversity, the delta is divided into ecological
zones (Abams 1999). The extent of the variation is
usually a function of hydrology topography and soil
type. Changes in any of these factors may alter existing
ecological conditions and boundaries. The dense
network of rivers and creeks in the dissected surface of
the delta creates a condition of delta-wide hydrological
continuity. Disasters such as oil pollution and flooding
in one part of the delta can readily be felt in other parts
(Whiteman J 1982). The rivers network conveys water
and sediments through some 20 estuaries into the
Atlantic Ocean to support the dynamic equilibrium of
the coastal hydrological processes. This means that a
spill in an upstream location not attended to, has the
possibility to spread across these estuaries. This may
affect a significant part of thedelta, comprising sensitive
low-lying swamps. Also, the region is dominated by
south-westerlyair currents and complex ocean water
circulation patterns.
This extends from the west to the whole Niger Delta and
Southward beyond the present coastline. The Benin
Formation is overlain by Quaternary deposits and
consists of coastal plain sands. The formation is a
A close observation of the rivers and creeks in the study
area and its environment shows that thenetwork pattern
created does not easily fit the convectional, typical
dendritic and trellised patternof drainage. The entire
Akata Formation:
This is the lowermost and oldest sedimentary of the
Niger Delta. It is composed mainly of Marine shales.
The Akata Formation is approximately 4000metres
thick. It is the source rock for petroleum in the Niger
Delta complex. It contains lenses of over- pressured
siltstones and fine-grained sandstones. The formation is
believed to have been deposited in front of the
advancing delta and ranges in age from Paleocene to
Recent.
Agbada Formation:
This formation underlies the Benin Formation and is
made up of alternations of sands, sandstone and minor
intercalations of shale. The sandstones are often poorly
sorted and their grain size varies from fine to coarse,
with calcareous matrix and shell fragments occurring
(Kogbe, 1976). It consists of an upper predominantly
sandy unit which is thicker than the upper sand unit. It
gradually grades into the Akata Formation which is
underlying it. The shales are medium to dark grey in
colour, fairly hard, silty and locally glauconitic. The
approximate thickness of Agbada Formation is
10,000metres and 12,000metres (Kogbe, 1976) the high
porosity of these sands together with the presence of
clay horizons has made this formation very prominent in
the Niger Delta as the petroleum reservoir. The age of
the Agbada Formation ranges from Eocene -Recent.
International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering
ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 05, No. 04, August 2012, pp. 659-664
661
Quality Status of Groundwater in Igwuruta Area, Ikwerre L. G. A, Rivers State, Nigeria
area is criss-crossed by several rivers and creeks which
empty into theAtlantic Ocean.
swirled until stable colour changed to pink was
observed.
Data Collection and Analysis:
The sample solution was then titrated against 0.01m
hydrochloric acid to a colourless endpoint after which 3
drops of methyl orange indicator were added and the
titration continued to an orange colour end.The total
volume of acid used was recorded.Blank analysis was
carried out using 0.01m hydrochloride and the total
volume added was also recorded.
Water Sample Collection:
Groundwater samples were collected in the sterilized
two litre containers tightly fitting covers wrapped in
black polyethylene plastic bags and put in a cooler to
ensure constant temperature. The samples were
collected in 12 containers, 10 for the analysis of the
cations/anions while other 2 were used for microbial
analysis. The samples were immediately transported to
the laboratory for analysis.
Laboratory Analyses for Water Quality Parameters:
All analyses were carried out at a standardized
laboratory, using standard methods. The evaluation of
water quality was in accordance with the regulatory
standards set by the Federal Environmental protection
Agency FEPA (1991). The approach ensures that the
samples collected were tested in accordance with agreed
requirements.
(i)Temperature, Conductivity and Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS):
Temperature, conductivity and TDS of the water
samples were determined electrometrically with a
multiparameter datalogger (Hanna Model No. H
1991300). The meter was calibrated prior to use with
0.001N and 0.10N standard potassium chloride
solutions
(according
to
the
manufacturers
specifications) and buffer standards, (obtained from
accustandards) of pH 4.7 and 10 at room temperature.
The analysis involved dipping the probe of the meter
directly into the sample in the 2 litre plastic can, then
taking the reading as displayed on the screen of the
equipment. After each measurement,the probe was
rinsed in distilled water and the display mode adjusted
to the standardization value for measurement of the next
parameter.
(ii)Total Alkalinity and Hardness:
Total alkalinity is a measure of bicarbonate, carbonate
and hydroxide ions.In most natural waters, the principal
anions is bicarbonate with carbonate and/or hydroxyl
ion being present only if the PH is greater than 8.3
(UNICEF/UNESCO,1979).Total
alkalinity
was
determined in accordance with American Standard for
testing and Materials(ASTM) D1067B method, in
which 0.1m hydrochloric acid stock solution was
prepared then diluted to a working solution of
0.01m.The 100ml of the sample was measured in a
conical flask and three drops of phenolphthalein
indicator was added drop wisely as the flask was
Water hardness is the traditional measure of the capacity
of water to react with soap.Hardness of water is the
property attributable to the presence of calcium (Ca2+)
and magnesium (Mg2+) as the principal alkaline earths
in natural waters. Fe2+ can also cause water
hardness.Hardness was determined by the reaction of
the bivalent metallic ion present in water sample with a
chelating agent such as Ethylenediaminetetracetic
(EDTA) It is expressed as an equivalent of calcium
carbonate.
(iii)Turbidity:
Turbidity of groundwater is largely a value reflecting
the particle size of suspended matter in the water
sample; it is not a measure of the amount material in it.
Turbidity was determined in accordance with APHA
21300B. A calibrated turbidity spectrophometer ELE
paqualab model 1930712 was used. The turbidity meter
has a range of 0-174 NTU. Distilled water was used to
calibrate the equipment to zero level, and a standard set
according to manufacturers specification. The sample
was transferred into a cuvette and placed in the sample
holder, the turbidity values was obtained by turning a
dial knob to display the reading in NTU
(iv)Oil and Grease:
Oil and grease were determined in accordance with
America Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
D3921. This involved the use of transform infrared
spectrophotometer (FTIR) Genesis series instrument
prior to analysis; the sample was extracted into a 250ml
separator funnel with 20m1 of carbon tetrachioride. The
equipment was calibrated with a blend of light and
medium crude oil; dissolved in the carbon tetrachloride.
Ranges of the blend between 50 and 600mg/l were
prepared as calibration standard and extrapolated on
graph, in the FTIR.. Oil and grease concentration in the
sample was determined by using the stored calibration
graph in the software of the equipment as reference.
(v)Nitrate, Phosphate and Sulphate:
Nitrate was determined colometrically using Unicarm
UV/visible spectrophometer. 1 ml of the sample was
analyzed directly using brucinesulphate as a complexing
agent in the presence of sulphuric acid and measured at
a wavelength of 470nm. Phosphate was determined in
International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering
ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 05, No. 04, August 2012, pp. 659-664
SORONNADI - ONONIWU, C. G. OMOBORIOWO, A. O. ALOZIE, B. E
CHIADIKOBI, K. C. CHIAGHANAM, O. I. ACRA, E. J. OYANYAN, R. O. and SANGOREMI, A
accordance with APHA 414E, also a metric method, but
based on a blue complex induced by the addition
stanmous chloride. The sample was analyzed at a
wavelength of 690nm with Unicam UV/visible
spectrophmeter. Sulphate was determined in accordance
with APHA 426C -arbidimetric method based on
barium chloride as the precipitating agent ‘mistformer).
100ml of the sample wasanalyzed at a wavelength of
l20nm in a UV/visible spectrophometer.
(vi) Coliform:
Total coliform was determined in accordance with
APHA 922B; a method in which a medium of selective
broth was prepared and used to saturate absorbent pad
placed in a petridish. 100ml of sample was filtered
through a sterilize membrane filter, which was there
after placed in a petridish. Total coliform was
determined by incubating the dish and the content at
37°C for a period of 24 hours while faecal coliform was
mined by incubating 44°C for a period of 24 hours.
(vii) Pathogens and Indicator Organism:
These
include
salmonella,
shighella,
vibro,
staphylococcus faecal streptococci, Enterococci E-coli
and yeast. They were determined in accordance with
APHA 9260. 100 ml of the sample was filtered through
a membrane filter. The membrane after filtration was
transferred aseptically to a selective medium and
incubates for 24 hours at a temperature of (37°C, 42°C,
44°C and room temperature for yeast) and suspected
colonies confirmed using identification test.
(viii)Chloride:
Chloride was determined in accordance with the
American Standard for Testing and Material (ASTM) D
512. Five drops of mixed indicator were added to l00ml
of sample in a flask and swirled resulting in a blueviolet colour. 1 ml of nitric acid was added to effect a
colour change to yellow. The solution was titrated
against mercuric nitrate 0.025N solution to obtain a blue
lilac end point. A blank titration with distilled water was
carried out using the same reagents applied to sample.
662
Discussion of Result:
Physical Parameters:
The averagepHvalues range from 4.27-5.21. These
values fall below WHO (1992) stipulation of 6.5-8.5,
the results show that groundwater in the area is acidic.
The acidity is probably caused by the presence of
organic matter in the soils. Moreover, free CO2 from the
atmosphere can also enter the groundwater system as
rainwater percolates underground and reduce the H of
the water. Acidic waters are favourable to the growth of
iron bacteria which cause incrustation of pipes.
Turbidity results ranges from zero to 0.40 units which is
low as compared to 50 units stipulated by WHO (1992).
Turbidity is caused by several types of suspended
inorganic material such as suspensions of clay, small
particles of ferric oxide which may come from rusty
casings. Turbidity of groundwater is usually known to
be minimal compared to surface water; cases of turbid
water occurrence have been known to result from poor
well construction and development.
The conductivity varies from 30-130 us/cm showing
that the water is good,fallen below WHO (1992),
stipulated range. itis also excellent for agricultural
purpose because it’s conductivity does not exceed
250us/cm. Above allthe presence of unobjectionable
tastes, odours or colours, makes it good for most
purposes
Chemical Parameters:
The chemical and biological characteristics of water
determine its usefulness for industry, agriculture or
domestic purposes. The purpose of this section is to
discuss the general occurrence of the various
constituents in water and to mention briefly the relation
of these constituents to water use.
Calcium (Hardness):
Physical and Chemical Parameters of Water Quality
Analysis:
Hardness in water results from the presence of divalent
metallic cations, of which calcium and magnesium are
the most abundant in groundwater. These ions react
with soap to form precipitates and with certain anions
present in the water to form scales. Because of their
adverse action with soap, hardwaters are unsatisfactory
for household cleansing purpose (Todd, 1980).
Theresult of the laboratory water quality analysis of
major anions/cations and physical parameters of the
groundwater in the study as determined from the
procedures outlined are as presented in Table 1
Inclusive in table are the (see last row) World Health
Organization (WHO, 1992) minimum specification of
the various water quality meters for the purpose of
comparism with field values. Valuesare compared with
WHO (1992) minimum specification.
However, calcium (hardness) varies from 3.20mg/l in
sample N to 31.20 mg/l in sample B, WHO (1992) have
stipulated that the value should not exceed 500mg/l. The
same applies to Total Hardness which varies from
4.80mg/l -39.6mg/l in sample A. The degree of hardness
in water is commonly based on the classification after
Sawyer and McCarty (1967),based on this classification
(Table 2), water in the area could be said to be soft for
domestic and agricultural purposes.
Presentation of Result:
International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering
ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 05, No. 04, August 2012, pp. 659-664
663
Quality Status of Groundwater in Igwuruta Area, Ikwerre L. G. A, Rivers State, Nigeria
Table II: Hard water Classification (after Sawyerand
McCarty, 1967)
Hardness
0-75
75-150
150-300
Over 300
Water class
Soft
Moderately hard
Hard
Very hard
Carbonates:
The carbonate level ranges from 1.0mg/l to 17.6mg/l.
This is far below the expected range of 120mg/l
stipulated by WHO (1992). It is noteworthy that
carbonates and bicarbonates ions produce alkalinity.
Alkalinity is therefore a reliable-measure of carbonate
and bicarbonate for most natural water. Most carbonate
and bicarbonate ions in groundwater are derived from
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide in the
soil and solution of carbonate rocks. Temporary
hardness is caused by presence of these ions in water for
containing large amounts of bicarbonate and alkalinity
is undesirable in many industries (Todd, 1980).
Nitrates:
They are derived from the atmosphere, legumes, plant
debris, animal excrement and are known to cause
physiological distress and bitterness when it exceeds
more than 100 mg/l (WHO, 1992).However, the values
in the study area fall in the range of 1.00mg/l to
1.90mg/l. It has been reported that water from shallow
wells containing more than 45mg/l can cause
methaemoglobinenia in infants.
Sulphate are usually derived from oxidation of sulphide
ores; gypsum and anhydrite. Sulphates combine with
calcium to form an adherent, heat retarding scale. More
than 250mg/l is objectionable in water in some
industries. Water containing about 500mg/l of sulphate
tastes bitter and water containing about 1000mg/lmay
be cathartic.The value obtained within the study area
fall within the range of 0.58mg/l to 4.7mg/l, the values
is far below the maximum range of 400mg/l stipulated
by ( WHO,1992).
According to Hem (1971)pH of a water represents
interelated result of a number of chemical equilibria.
The equilibria in a groundwater are altered when the
water is taken into a well and pumped to surface. He
opined further that natural waters whose pH is below
4.5 containa low proportion of dissociated or
undissociated and carbonate ion. Most commonly the
source involves a reaction that involves oxidation of
some form of sulphur.
The low pH value in the area, according to Udom and
others (1999) may have been caused by the presence of
organic matter in the soils. Free Co2from the atmosphere
can also enter the groundwater as rainwater percolates
underground and reduce the pH of the water. The pH of
the watercontrols a lot of ionic reactions in water. The
pH of water can also affected by oxidation of ferrous
ion.
Conclusion:
The result of the geochemical analysis on groundwater
within Igwuruta reveals that existing water boreholes
have pH values ranging from 5.30, that is, slightly
acidic. The water is therefore expected to be aggressive
The analytical results in the area show that groundwater
in the area is soft and low in dissolved constituents. The
water should be treated. The pH can be adjusted to
between 7.0 and 8.5 by addition of lime. Evaluation of
the results shows that the water is suitable for drinking
and other domestic purposes. All the constituents fall
below the WHO (1992) standard. Biological analysis
shows that, the water in the area does not pose any
threat to life. However, in the view of Offodile (1992),
deep wells are the best for area with acidic groundwater.
Sources of contaminants in the area such as
indiscriminate disposal of waste can be managed to curb
the long-term effect that could emanate from such
practices. However, it is important to note that water of
very lowpH may result from discharge of industrial
wastes and drainage from mines,this can carry high
concentrations of ferric and ferrous iron. The measured
values of iron; H, sulphate, nitrate, carbonate, calcium,
hardness, conductivity, turbidity when compare with
WHO show that they all fall within acceptable limits
except the pH value that is expected to be buffered.it is
also recommended that PVC pipes and other non-corrosive materials should be used for borehole
construction in the area.
References:
[1] Abams,T.K.S,. 1999 .Dynamics and qualities of
water resources in Niger Delta.In: impacts of urban
growth on surface water and groundwater quality
(ed. By B.J Ellis) proc. Birmingham.Svmp., 429437.
[2] Aisebougun and Izeogu 1989 “Relief and
Drainage” in Alagoa E.J and Tamuno, T.N (eds):
Land and People of Rivers State. Riverside
communication Port Harcourt Pp 24-30.
[3] Akpokodje, E.G (1989) Journal of Mining and
Geology
Vol
25
Nos
I
and
Z
Burmaster, D.E. (1982). ‘The new Pollution
Environment 24,2,Pp-636.
[4] Edet, A.E., (1993). Groundwater Quality
Assessment in Parts of Eastern Niger Delta Nigeria.
Environmental Geology, Springer-Vol, 22, Pp. 1156.
[5] Etu-Efeotor, J.O and Akpokodje, E.G., (1990). The
Preliminary HydrogeochemicalInvestigation of
International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering
ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 05, No. 04, August 2012, pp. 659-664
SORONNADI - ONONIWU, C. G. OMOBORIOWO, A. O. ALOZIE, B. E
CHIADIKOBI, K. C. CHIAGHANAM, O. I. ACRA, E. J. OYANYAN, R. O. and SANGOREMI, A
subsurface waters in parts of the Niger Delta.
Journal of Mining and Geology 18 (1) Pp. 103-105.
FEPA (1991): Guidelines and standards for
Environmental Pollution Control in Nigeria.
[6] Nwaogazie, LL (1990) “Pollution Modeling for
provision of water for all” Nigeria Journ.Tech. Res.
2, pp 49 — 55.
[7] Offodile, M.E., (1992). An approach to
groundwater
study
and
development
in
Nigeria.nMecon Services Ltd Jos. Nigeria. 138147.
[8] Reyment, R.A., (1965). Aspects of the Geology of
Nigeria. University of Ibadan Press, Nigeria. 52-54.
[9] Short, K.C and Stauble A.J., (1967) Outline of the
Geology of Niger Delta, After Bull. 1, 761-779.
[10] Tebbutt.T.H.Y.. (1 979 Principle of water qualitv
control 2nd Edition pergamon Press 120-140
664
[11] Todd, D.K., (1980). Groundwater Hydrology, Third
Edition. John Wilay and Sons Inc.New York
London Pp. 353 -376.
[12] Udom, G.J., Esu, E.O and Ekwere, S.J., (1998)
Quality status of groundwater in Calabar
Municipality, South Eastern Nigeria.Global Journal
of Pure and Applied Sciences, Vol 4, No 2, Pp 1631 69.
[13] Udom, G.J., Etu-Efeotor, J.O and Esu, E.O, (1999)
Hydrochemcial evaluation of groundwater in parts
of Port Harcourt and Tai-Eleme L.G.A. of Rivers.
[14] Udom, G.J., Ushie, F.A., Esu, EO, (2002).A
Geochemical Survey of Groundwater in Khanna
and Gokana Local Government Areas of Rivers
State, Nigeria. 88
Table I: Quality of Groundwater in the Study Area.
location
PH
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
WHO
LIMIT
4.86
4.27
4.88
5.25
4.72
4.88
4.86
5.21
4.85
4.86
5.30
5.25
4.87
4.78
4.38
6.58.5
Turbidity
Ntu
0.30
1.5
0.30
0.04
0.20
Nil
0.15
0.30
Nil
0.40
0.30
0.15
Nil
Nil
Ni
50 Units
COND
ns/cm
122
35.2
63
67
121
132
65
76
35
69
111
123
87
30
80
1400
Ca
Hardness
39.6
31.2
16.8
16.4
38.4
33.5
16.5
16.3
4.8
12.2
15.5
9.5
6.7
4.80
17.60
500
Carbonate
(CO3)
30
1.0
16.00
15.60
4.63
17.50
30.20
25.30
6.77
9.42
16.20
3.89
3.9
3.20
16.00
500 as
CaCO3
Nitrate
E(NO3)
1.19
1.46
1.00
1.09
1.19
1.47
1.90
1.82
1.19
1.27
1.13
1.67
1.55
1.19
1.86
100
Sulphate
(SO3)
4.70
0.58
Nil
3.52
4.70
0.65
1.62
3.52
2.66
3.75
0.78
Nil
3.54
2.35
Nil
200
International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering
ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 05, No. 04, August 2012, pp. 659-664
Iron
(Fe)
0.008
0.012
0.016
0.010
0.016
0.024
0.011
0.013
0.021
0…8
0.102
0.012
0.016
0.008
0.1102
0.3
Eschericha
col
Nil
3.0
Nil
Nil
Nil
nil
nil
nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil