HYDROCHEMISTRY OF GROUNDWATER IN BARADEN WAMAKO AND JAOJI VILLAGES NEAR WAMAKKO NORTHWSTERN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Hydrochemical studies of groundwater from Baraden Wamako and Jaoji Villages were carried out with a view to knowing the level of contamination. Four water samples were collected and their physical parameters such as TDS, EC, and pH were measured in the field. The APHA (1999) criteria were followed for sampling, handling and analysis. The four samples were taken to the laboratory in order to determine their major and minor elements through the use of AAS. The TDS measured ranges from 136-189 mg/L with an average value of 160 mg/L, pH ranges 7.69 – 5.88 mg/L with an average of 6.83 and EC ranges from 270 – 378 µS/cm with an average value of 321 µS/cm and they are all within the WHO and NSDWQ safe limit. The results of major elements and oxides shows, Na+ having values which ranges from 1- 4 mg/L with an average of 2 mg/L and NO3 -, have values which range from and 0.03 - 0.6 mg/L with an average of 0.188 mg/L all are within WHO (2022) and NSDWQ safe limit. Clvaries from 0.5 – 0.8 with an average of 0.6 mg/L, thus, within the WHO (2022) and NSDWQ safe limit. However, Mg2+ varies from 19.2 – 38.3 mg/L with an average of 30.9 mg/L is above the WHO (2022) and NSDWQ safe limit in two samples. Results of the minor elements shows Ni varies from 0.0040 – 0.094 mg/L with an average value of 0.0059 mg/L Cadmium varies from 0.0001 to 0.0008 with an average value of 0.00215 However, Pb2+ concentration values vary from 0.0005 – 0.0117 mg/L with an average of 0.00763 m g/L, has values that are above the WHO (2022) recommended limits and NSDWQ which could lead to various ailment and diseases among the inhabitants. The contaminants might have resulted from anthropogenic means, including the application of leached pesticides. The pollutants migrated through tectonic and sedimentary structures, which serve as conduit pipes for rapid transmission to the groundwater system in the study areas. The piper and Schoeller diagram were use to delineate the water types and level of contamination within the samples. The water type that we have in the study area is Ca-Mg-HCO3 which is closely related to the geology of the study area, which shows that the water is not good for domestic and other purposes.