Description of the Hydrogeochemical Mechanisms in Shallow Groundwater Using a Combined Approach of Geochemical and Geostatistical Methods in Idu Abuja
- Post by: ejees
- August 31, 2022
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ABSTRACT
Hydrogeochemical studies were performed in the Idu and adjacent areas of Nigeria’s federal capital territory, Abuja. 25 groundwater samples were gathered from 15 existing boreholes and 10 shallow hand dug wells. Based on the synthesis of standard geochemical approaches plus GIS and geostatistical tools, geochemical processes and conditions regulating groundwater chemistry are described. The analyses of the ionic ratios and Gibbs charts indicate that the processes of rock/water contacts, accompanied by ion exchange, and decomposition of carbonate and silicate rocks affected the groundwater composition of the research area. A transition from less mineralized Mg2+-CO32--Cl–, Mg2+-Ca2+-Cl– and Mg2+-Ca2+-CO32- type of water to elevated mineralized Mg2+-Cl– water types is demonstrated by the hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater. Utilizing cluster analysis, three groups have been identified, namely C1 and C2. The Na+/Cl–, Mg2+/Ca2+ and Cl–/HCO3– ratios and EC contents of the spatial distribution maps suggest that carbonate and silicate rocks weathering played a big role on the eastern halves of the research districts in groundwater chemistry. However, due to the effect of the convection-precipitation process as well as water/rock contacts on the western portions of the study region, the acidification process has risen.
Keywords: Hydrogeochemical; Mechanism; GIS; Geostatistical and Geochemical Methods; Ionic ratio; Basement Complex; Shallow Groundwater