GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN PARTS OF OGBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAYELSA STATE

Abstract

Ogbia LGA is faced with the problem of lack of potable water. This study therefore aimed at assessing groundwater quality in parts of Ogbia LGA with a view to providing information for effective planning, management and utilization of water. To achieve this, water samples were collected from thirty boreholes and their locations determined using a hand-held GPS. Laboratory analysis were carried out on samples for physico-chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, nitrate, chloride, sulphate, bicarbonate, phosphate, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and iron). Data was subjected to Piper’s trilinear plot to determine the characteristics of the groundwater. Thereafter, water quality indexing method together with the WHO established limits for potable water was used to determine the overall quality of the analyzed groundwater samples. Result from the Trilinear plot showed that the water class present was Na-Cl which indicates saline water while Sulphate, Chloride and Sodium and Potassium types of water were present in the study area. Also, the result of water quality indexing method showed that 13.33% of the samples were excellent, 40% good, 43.34% poor, 0% very poor and 3.33% unsuitable while that of the WHO standard indicated that most physicochemical parameters of the water samples fell within acceptable World Health Organisation (WHO) limits for potable water. pH in most samples were slightly acidic. In addition iron and phosphorus was above the limit in all samples in comparison with WHO (2011) standard. The study therefore concludes that the water from the area is good for domestic and industrial purposes, although, treatment is required in some areas where the results did not conform to standard before the water is used to prevent health risks