Abstract
Water managers are faced with issues of groundwater resources management in dry land environments characterized by increasing population growth and prolonged dry period. Pollution of such resources has become a problem of notable importance in many arid and semi-arid environments of the developing countries. Unplanned urbanization; industrialization coupled with an increase in agricultural expansion has adversely affected groundwater quality. This study provides an overview of the status of groundwater quality in Kumbotso L.G.A using Water Quality Index. Physico-chemical parameters of pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, calcium, and sulphate were measured from 12 groundwater samples. The results of the analysis were compared to the WHO standards to ascertain conformity with the guidelines. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed for mapping the distribution of various quality parameters as well as the overall groundwater quality condition. The overall map produced shows that 53.42km2 of the study area representing 33.81% were of excellent quality while 104.58km2 representing 66.19% of the area was found to be of good quality. Thus, a GIS based map developed can be a useful practical tool by water managers, policymakers and concerned communities in taking strategic decisions towards effective management of groundwater in the study area.
Highlights
Human survival on the earth surface as well as sustainable development and security depends on water (Griggs et al, 2013). As such water is primarily used for domestic, industrial and agricultural activities and is necessary for the sustainable economic development of an area (Pritchard et al, 2008).The increase in the water demand is a result of population growth and economic development especially the groundwater resources (Roy et al, 2020).The development of which has a negative impact on groundwater quality and quantity (Hemamalini et al, 2017)
In Nigeria in semi-arid environments of Northern Nigeria surface water deterioration, inadequate water provision by authorities concerned, the effect of climate change and in addition to population growth which has forced many people to rely on groundwater sources for water use (Akujieze et al, 2003)
The spatial data used was data corresponding to the administrative boundary of Nigeria in shape file format downloaded from DIVA-Geographic Information System (GIS)
Summary
Human survival on the earth surface as well as sustainable development and security depends on water (Griggs et al, 2013). As such water is primarily used for domestic, industrial and agricultural activities and is necessary for the sustainable economic development of an area (Pritchard et al, 2008).The increase in the water demand is a result of population growth and economic development especially the groundwater resources (Roy et al, 2020).The development of which has a negative impact on groundwater quality and quantity (Hemamalini et al, 2017). Making groundwater sources a necessary alternative for water supply in such regions
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