Groundwater quality evaluation: a case study of Igando waste dumpsite, southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The quality of groundwater samples around Igando area, Lagos State, Nigeria was investigated with the aim of detecting possible influence of dumpsites on nearby aquifers. Thirty-seven (37) groundwater samples were evaluated for their suitability in drinking and agricultural purposes. Physical parameters were determined in situ using portable multi-meter. Flame absorption was used to determine the concentrations of major cations while ion chromatography and titrimetry was used for anions’ concentration. Bacteriological test was conducted using multiple tube technique. Results of in-situ physical parameters revealed pH range of 7.01–7.79, EC range of 20–880 μS/cm while TDS range from 13–590 mg/L. Laboratory analyses showed Ca2+ concentration ranging 1.60–72.80 mg/L and HCO3− ranging 19.52–204.96 mg/L as the dominant ions. None of the ions’ concentrations exceed the WHO drinking limit. Water Quality Index (WQI) classification showed that all samples fall within good to excellent water categories. The majority of the samples are suitable for irrigation using indices such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Kelly’s ratio (KR), and Magnesium Hazard (MH). Bacteriological analyses revealed low total bacterial count and E-coli absence making the samples safe for drinking. Piper diagram indicated two main water-facies (Ca–HCO3 and the Mixed Ca–Mg–Cl). Gibbs’s plots showed that the samples are primarily influenced by rock weathering, while precipitation also contributed. Chloro-Alkaline Index confirmed direct ion-exchange process. Cluster analyses revealed four groups: the first revealed influence of groundwater by anthropogenic activities in the study area, the second and third revealed lithological origin of ions in the water while group 4 indicated pH low influence on the dissolved ions in the waters. The groundwater quality can be said to be fair-good, thus suggestive of minimal interactions between the dumpsites and the groundwater in the area at the time of testing.