Hydrochemistry of Water Resources in Parts of Enugu, South Eastern, Nigeria

Abstract

Evaluation of the hydrochemical status of water resources in selected parts of Enugu (precisely, Independence Layout, Uwani, Ugwuaji, Emene, Trans Ekulu, Abakpa, Coal Camp and Asata Localities), Nigeria was conducted. This was purposed to assess the suitability of the resources for irrigation and domestic consumption as well as delineating their attributive hydrochemical facies. Water samples collected from sixteen (16) hand dug wells were analyzed for various physiochemical parameters using standard in-situ and laboratory procedures. The analysis showed the following peak values; Temperature- 310C, pH- 6.3, Na – 38mg/l, K – 200mg/l, Ca- 34.3mg/l, Mg- 6.3mg/l, Cl- – 105mg/l, HCO3 – 17.2mg/l, CO3 – 12.8mg/l, SO42-- 63.01mg/l, NO3- - 6.21mg/l, Fe- 0.27mg/l, Mn – 0.39mg/l, BOD -560mg/l, COD- 1176mg/l, Electrical Conductivity -253ϰs/cm, TDS- 140mg/l, TPH- 2410.59mg/l. Interpretations revealed a strong-weakly acidic groundwater presumably reflecting the effect of pyrite weathering, mine drainage and precipitation charged by chloride ions. Groundwater characterization revealed the dominance of Na-Cl facies with sub-ordinate mixed facies and Na-SO4 facies. Except for local occurrences of unacceptably high levels of Magnesium (Mg), Hardness, Manganese (Mn), BOD, COD and TPH in addition to pH, all other parameters were compatible with the World Health Organization and Nigerian standards for drinking water (NSDWQ).Although, the water is suitable for irrigation, it would require treatment to restore the pH and the other deficiencies to acceptable standards for drinking.