Hydrogeology and Groundwater Quality of Deep and Shallow Boreholes in Kano Metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The study area is located in the Kano Municipal. It is bounded by latitudes 11°51´ to 12°06´N and longitudes 8°23´ to 8°38´ E covering an area of about 770.063 Km². It lies on the average altitude of 478m above sea level, and is generally undulating lowland. The relief is greatly influenced by the geology; characterized by small, blocky and low laying outcrops. Twenty (20) samples of groundwater collected from the study area from both deep (about 200m) and shallow boreholes, following the standard procedure as prescribed by APHA Guidelines. The analysis was achieved using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS-Varian AA240Fs), Direct reading Photometer (Hanna model), Titrimetric method, and Flame photometer (FPF9 Jenwy model).The interpretation of groundwater chemistry of the samples suggest that most of the samples analysed are within the WHO and Nigerian Standards for drinking, while some have concentrations beyond desirable limits. However, the concentrations of some elements such as Pb, above permissible limits in the samples analyzed have created a concern over the suitability of the water for drinking and other domestic uses. The assessment of water for irrigation indicates that most of the samples are suitable for irrigational purposes. The result of the laboratory analysis revealed that the selected ions were present in varying concentrations in the study area. The chemical parameters of water samples from the boreholes were plotted using AquaChem and revealed interaction between the groundwater and aquifer materials, and identified important data trends and groupings.

Keywords: Water quality, analysis, WHO, SON, AquaChem, permissible limits, anion, cation, Kano.