Evaluation of hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in parts of the lower Benue Trough, Ni

The aim of this work is to evaluate the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in parts of the lower Benue Through in Nigeria as well as to evaluate the variation in groundwater chemistry data and the suitability of the groundwater for drinking and other domestic purposes. This was based on chemical analyses of 44 water samples from existing wells and boreholes in the study area. From the statistical analysis (wide ranges, median and standard deviation), it is obvious that there are significant variations in the quality/composition of groundwater in the period of sampling. The calculated SAR, Na% and RSC values indicated that the water is of excellent to good quality and is suitable for irrigation. Na and HCO3 are dominant with respect to the chemical composition of the groundwater. On the basis of water chemistry, hydrochemical indices and factor analysis the dominant controls or processes affecting the distribution of geochemical variables in the study area have been shown to be water/rock interaction which is mainly controlled by carbonate and silicate dissolution as well as anthropogenic influence to a lesser extent. Additional processes include cation exchange reactions and reverse ion exchange to a minor extent.