Hydrogeochemistry and Statistical Analysis of Benin Formation in Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The increase in groundwater demand for various human activities has placed great importance on water science and management globally. Human health, industrial and agricultural development as well as the ecosystem is all at risk unless soil and water resources are effectively managed. Groundwater samples from Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria were collected and taken to the laboratory for relevant physicochemical and bacteriological analyses. The field and laboratory results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis and discussed. These findings indicate that the aquifer in the area is porous, permeable and prolific. The observed wide ranges and high standard deviations and mean in the geochemical data are evidence that there are substantial differences in the quality/composition of the groundwater within the study area. The study identified salt intrusion, high iron content, acid-rain, hydrocarbon pollution, use of agrochemicals, industrial effluents and poor sanitation as contributors to the soil and water deterioration in the area. The first two factors are natural phenomenon due to the proximity of the aquifer to the Ocean and probably downward leaching of marcasite contained in the overlying lithology into the shallow water table while the last four factors are results of various anthropogenic activities domiciled in the area. DRASTICA model, a modification of DRASTIC model was developed and used in the construction of aquifer vulnerability map of the area.