HYDROGEOLOGY AND GROUNDWATER QUALITYOF LAFIA AND ITS ENVIRONS, LAFIA SHEET 231 NW, NASARAWA STATE, NORTHCENTRAL NIGERIA
HYDROGEOLOGY AND GROUNDWATER QUALITYOF LAFIA AND ITS ENVIRONS, LAFIA SHEET 231 NW, NASARAWA STATE, NORTHCENTRAL NIGERIA
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Date
2015-02
Authors
MUSA, MA’AJI USMAN
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Abstract
The researchproject studied the hydrogeology and groundwater quality of Lafia and environs Lafia sheet 231, NW, North Central Nigeria. This included the geology, hydrogeology, evaluation of the total groundwater reserve and water budget of the study area. Field work started with a reconnaissance survey of the study area. This was followed by a detailed geological and hydrogeological mapping. This included measurements of depth to water tables of 83 wells both at the end of dry (April) and rainy (October) seasons with their coordinates and dates recorded. Physical qualities of water such as temperatures, pH, TDS and conductivities were measured and recorded in situ at the field.Groundwater configuration maps of both seasons were produced to show the directions of groundwater flow. A geological map with its cross-section was also produced. A total of 20 groundwater samples collected from 20 hand dug wells were analysed. The results showed that many wells have elements of pollution from residential effluents and / or organic matter.The water is suitable for drinking, domestic and other purposes as for it is within the WHO 2011 Standard for Permissible Drinking water. Higher concentrations of iron (Fe+3)in some wells in the analysis showed that it is derived from the geologically highly ferruginous Lafia sandstone. Photometry using V – 2000 Chemetrics Model, Flame Photometry (FES) and Titrimetry or volumetric analyses were the laboratory methods used for analysis.Results from water quality analyses were used to plot Piper diagram using aquachem 4.0 software, hence classifying these water into 3 types as Na+K-type, (HCO3-2)-type and (HCO3-2) + (CO3-2)-typeLafia and environs are underlain by the Asu/Awgu (shales) andLafia formations. SRTM Digital Elevation Model (DEM)of the area has been analysed and interpreted in order to determine the lineament trends,lineament density and groundwater potential across the formations in the area. The drainage pattern isstructurally controlled and mostly influences both the groundwater and surface water flowdirections in the area. Rose (azimuth-frequency) diagram of the lineaments delineated onthe digital elevation model (DEM) shows trends in the NW-SE directionsas the major trends. Lineament density maps show that thelineament density is high the Awgu (shales) andLafia formations..Areas having high lineament density representareas with relatively high groundwater potentials. Field observations agreed with theresults from the analysis of the imagery.Lafia town and environs has a total dynamic groundwater resources of 45,599.4 × 106 m3/a, or 45,599,400,000 m3/a, which can supplement surface water to meet the present and future water demand of people in the area. 2,796,020.4m3/a, is the current maximum water demand for an estimated population of 152788 people in the study area. With the projected population of 845,604.1477 people in the next 59 years at the growth rate of 2.9 % in the study area, the demand will be 845,604.1477 people × 0.05 m3/d which is = 42,280.20739 m3/d or 15,474,555.9 m3/a. During the ultimate planning horizon when the area is expected to have well advanced and mechanized agricultural system, the demand will be = 18,569,467.08 m3/a. During that time the area will have a large water resources surplus of 455,994,000,000 m3/a – 18,569,467,08ma/a = 455975430500 m3/a.There is going to be a surplus of 455,975,430,500 m3/aof water deposit in Lafia and environs at the projected duration of 59 years, including agriculture. This excess is enough to satisfy the projected domestic water demand.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGEERIA
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN GEOLOGY (HYDROGEOLOGY)
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA,
NIGERIA
Keywords
HYDROGEOLOGY, GROUNDWATER, LAFIA AND ITS ENVIRONS, LAFIA SHEET 231 NW, NASARAWA STATE, NORTHCENTRAL NIGERIA