Anthony Ugbaja

Hydrogeochemical and Vulnerability Assessment: Aquifers in Nigeria Anthony Ugbaja

In this study, the relationship between various elements has been studied using Cross plots/ratios, correlation analysis, cluster analysis, factor analysis, CEC, OC, NO3-, and Coliform count. Trileaner diagram was also use to determine type of water and this reveal Calcium + Magnesium/Carbonate + Bicarbonate water. The resultant matrix reveals strong correlation of Na+ with Cl-, K+ with Cl-, and Na+ with K+ in all the seasons. Some pairs of species show moderate to strong correlation (r > 0.6), examples NH4+ ? NO2-, NH4+ - SO42- (dry season). Bicarbonate was dominant to other anion/cation due to dissolution of carbonates and reaction of silicates with carbonic acid which accounts for the addition of HCO3- to the groundwater. HCO3- also dominates over Ca2, Na+, Mg2+, K+, and SO4 2- in all the Formations, due to silicate weathering. There was also addition of Ca2+ , Na+ and removal of SO42- which is due to weathering and leaching of silicate. Ca2+ and Mg2+ show good correlation among themselves and also with Na+, indicating a same source. The major exchangeable ions Na?Cl and Na?k correlate positively and correlation coefficient is found to be same for all the seasons? samples.