Analysis of Geochemical Parameters for Surface and Groundwater in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty
• This study provides novel insights into the geochemical parameters of surface and groundwater in Zuru, Kebbi State, revealing significant differences in water quality.
• By systematically comparing these values against WHO standards, the research identifies groundwater as more suitable for consumption and domestic use.
• This comparative analysis offers new, region-specific data that contributes to the understanding of water quality in southern Kebbi State, addressing a critical gap in localized environmental health research.

Full Abstract

As one of the fundamental elements of life, living nature could not survive without water.  Contaminated water consumption can lead to water-borne diseases and can also cause gastrointestinal illnesses, nervous system illnesses, reproductive effects, and chronic diseases such as cancer.  In this study, some geochemical parameters were analysed for surface and undergroundwater around Zuru in southern part of Kebbi state. The result was compared with WHO's prescribed standard for quality water consumption.  Four samples of each surface and groundwater were collected from various geographical locations within Zuru for analyses to determine density, conductivity, total hardness, calcium (Ca²⁺) hardness, magnesium (Mg²⁺) hardness, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) by employing scientific and technological approaches.  Surface water has higher values for mean total hardness (93.8 mg/L), the average value for calcium (62.0 mg/L), magnesium (Mg²⁺) hardness (44.0 mg/L), and the mean value for total dissolved solids (TDS) (620 mg/L), while groundwater has lower values for mean total hardness (30.0 mg/L), the average value for calcium (26.0 mg/L), magnesium (Mg²⁺) hardness (17.0 mg/L) and mean value for total dissolved solids (TDS) (564.5 mg/L).  Groundwater has higher values of average density (0.92 g/cm³), conductivity (114.3µS/cm), and average pH level (7.0), while surface water has lower values of average density for (0.90 g/cm³), conductivity (76.1µS/cm), and average pH level (6.9).  The research has shown that groundwater is favourably more recommended for drinking and other domestic usages.