Groundwater Conditions and Hydrogeochemistry of the Sombreiro-Warri Deltaic Plain Deposit (Shallow Benin Formation) in the Vicinity of Agbarho, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater conditions and hydrogeochemistry in the Sombreiro-Warri Deltaic Plain deposit at the Agbarho area were described with the aid of data obtained from dug wells. Ten dug wells and two surface water locations were sampled for water quality analysis. Regional groundwater flow is from the northeast to southwest direction with local distortion resulting from sustained groundwater withdrawal in more populated areas of the town. pH in surface water range was from 4.9 to 5.4 and that of groundwater from 3.8 to 5.9. TDS in groundwater and surface water ranges were from 39.6 to 123 mg/L and 9 to 25.6 mg/L, respectively. Two hydrochemical facies, magnesium chloride and sodium chloride facies were defined in this study. The order of abundance of cations are Mg>Na+K>Ca, Na+K>Mg>Ca and Na+K>Ca>Mg and for anions is Cl>HCO3>SO4. This study indicates that the groundwater chemistry is controlled largely by precipitation. Water qualities from the dug wells and surface water are well within the SON permitted levels except faecal coliform occurring at minimal level in two wells and one of the locations on the river.

A Comprehensive Review of Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment in Delta State, Southern Part of Nigeria

“…Moreover excess of nitrate in water may lead to water pollution as shown in Table 2. Previous studies have shown a significant decline of water resources in the study area [18,23,24,25,26,27,28]. Microorganisms are mostly found in surface water.…”

“…Most of the activities are in one way or the other connected to modern day development, unlike in decades ago were the quality of water resource was considered fit for various purpose. [28] were of the view that major cations were below maximum permissible limits within the Sombreiro-Warri plains, Warri Delta state. They further stated that the depth to water level within the Sombreiro-Warri plains varies from 1.2 to 6.45 m. [62] pointed out that within the Sombreiro-Warri Deltaic plain sands Cl concentration in groundwater fall below saltwater intrusion bench mark of 130 mg/l, according to [72] .…”

“…[24] were of the same view with [75] that Pb concentration in groundwater within the part of Warri metropolis was found to be below WHO permissible limit. Studies from [28] on heavy metals such as Pb, Cd and Cr in groundwater within Agbarho, Delta and were compared to MPLs set by SON result from their study suggested that aforementioned heavy metals were below the set limit. Further findings from [28] which suggested that Pb, Cr and Cd were below detection limit in groundwater in Sombreiro-Warri Deltaic Plain Deposit of Agbarho, Delta state.…”

“…Studies from [28] on heavy metals such as Pb, Cd and Cr in groundwater within Agbarho, Delta and were compared to MPLs set by SON result from their study suggested that aforementioned heavy metals were below the set limit. Further findings from [28] which suggested that Pb, Cr and Cd were below detection limit in groundwater in Sombreiro-Warri Deltaic Plain Deposit of Agbarho, Delta state. Although studies from other scholars suggested that Pb, Cr and Cd concentration was detected in water in Warri, Delta state [76,77] .…”

Geophysical Investigations and Aquifer Characteristics of the Benin Formation at Agbarho, Delta State, Nigeria

“…The study area is Agbarho in Delta State, which have been slated to host a massive agricultural project. Efobo et al, (2020) have earlier determined the groundwater flow direction and the hydrogeochemistry of this area. However, there is paucity of information on the subsurface lithology and aquifer characteristics of the study area.…”