HYDROGEOCHEMICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF GROUNDWATER IN SONG AND ENVIRONS, ADAMAWA STATE, NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Groundwater is the main source of water for drinking and irrigation in Song and environs, Adamawa State. Thirty groundwater samples were analysed to assess suitability for domestic and agricultural use. Physicochemical parameters were determined using (KR), percent sodium (%Na⁺), and permeability index (PI). Results showed pH ranged from 4.66.3, indicating moderately acidic water below the WHO limit of 6.5–8.5. Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and total hardness ranged from 142–452 µS/cm, 110–301 mg/L, and 19.65–98.26 mg/L, respectively, and were within acceptable limits. Nitrate exceeded WHO limits in 5 wells, while iron exceeded limits in 27% of samples due to underlying volcanic rocks. SAR, KR, and %Na values indicated excellent suitability for irrigation, but 12 wells had MH > 50 and are not recommended for irrigation. The study concludes that groundwater is generally suitable for irrigation but requires treatment before drinking in some locations.