The Geology of Perched Aquifers and Hydrochemistry of Springs in Nsukka Area, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The lithology of perched aquifers in Nsukka consists of laterites, red sands and gravels. The aquifers yield small but significant volumes of water to various hand-dug wells and springs in the area. It was found that they also contribute significantly to the iron enrichment in the spring waters. The spring waters and hand-dug waters are basically acidic. The Eh range is from 109mv to 389mv. The principal ions are Mg²⁺ and HCO₃^- thus yielding a Mg²⁺-HCO₃ type. While Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios indicate that cation exchange reactions help in defining the cation chemistry. The Na⁺/Cl^- ratios shows that the aquifers are well flushed.

Keywords: Perched aquifers; springs; iron; ratios; hand-dug wells.