Current Volume 8
The increasing dependence on shallow boreholes for potable water in Yenagoa and its environs necessitated a detailed investigation into the potential health implications associated with their use. This study integrates geological, and chemical analyses to evaluate groundwater quality. A total of nineteen groundwater samples were collected from both existing and freshly drilled boreholes and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters. Results revealed elevated levels of dissolved iron in boreholes capped by impermeable clay layers, likely due to anoxic conditions inhibiting oxygen infiltration. Conversely, boreholes without such confinement showed low iron concentrations. The groundwater was found to be fresh and mildly acidic, with pH values ranging from 5.78 to 6.93. Total hardness averaged 80.3 mg/L, well below the WHO permissible limit. Total dissolved solids (TDS) were also largely within safe limits, with 90% of samples below 1520 mg/L. Major cations and anions including Na?, K?, Ca²?, Mg²?, HCO??, NO??, SO?²?, and Cl? remained within WHO standards. Hydrogeochemical facies analysis identified Na-HCO? and Ca-Cl as dominant water types. Multivariate and graphical analyses suggest that the water chemistry is influenced primarily by rock-water interaction, silicate mineral weathering, and oxidation of pyrite. The dominance of alkali metals over alkaline earth metals and the abundance of weak acids over strong acids further support this. Overall, the groundwater in Yenagoa and surrounding areas is considered suitable for consumption and other uses, with caution regarding iron level in some areas.
Groundwater Quality, Hydrogeo Chemistry, Shallow Boreholes, Rock-Water Interaction, Yenagoa Aquifer System
IRE Journals:
Albert Raymond , Ochu Abdulmajeed , Okene Doutimi Tebekaemi , Watson Idigienen , Appah Matthew Omomoni; Ebiye Ayo; Ama Egeonu Uduma
"Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Shallow Borehole Water Quality across Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Niger Delta, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 11 2025 Page 579-590
IEEE:
Albert Raymond , Ochu Abdulmajeed , Okene Doutimi Tebekaemi , Watson Idigienen , Appah Matthew Omomoni; Ebiye Ayo; Ama Egeonu Uduma
"Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Shallow Borehole Water Quality across Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Niger Delta, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(11)