The Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Groundwater Quality in Some Coastal Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater quality in some coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study utilized primary data obtained from thirty boreholes in the area. The primary data consist of water quality parameters obtained from laboratory analysis of collected groundwater samples in the study area. Spatial distribution of groundwater constituents was carried out using ArcGIS 10.4 software. The result indicated that the groundwater in the coastal areas id acidic (pH ranges from 3.9 to 6.4); chloride ranges from 2.0mg/l to 52.0mg/l; total dissolved solids ranges from 4.8mg/l to 128.2mg/l; nitrate ranges from <0.01mg/l to 10.0mg/l; and turbidity ranges from 1.0 NTU to 3.11 NTU. The result also indicates that the groundwater is saline (salinity level range from 4.32mg/l to 85.8mg/l); turbidity at some locations also exceeds permissible standards. The study revealed that the quality of groundwater in the coastal areas is poor and not suitable for human consumption acidic and saline. Therefore, the groundwater in the coastal areas should be treated for acidity and salinity before domestic use.