Abstract
The present work examines the results of factor analysis performed on major ions and total hydrocarbon content (THC) from hydrochemical studies over Benin formation aquifer of the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria. The dominant cations are Na(50%)>Mg(27%)>Ca(23%) and Cl (96%) as the dominant anion. Five major factors were found to explain the source of the ions and THC in the groundwater. Generally, Factors 1 (EC, Ca2+, K+, HCO3−, and SO42−) and 4 (Mg2+, Na+, and CI) are mainly due to ion exchange sea water intrusion and effluent water disposal near oil processing facilities. Factor 2 (Fe and Mn) is attributed to geogenic sources while Factor 3 (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and THC) is due to effluent water disposal, leakages of crude oil pipelines, storage facilities, and indiscriminate disposal of waste. Factor 5 (NO3) is attributed to the disposal of human and domestic wastes into the environment.
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