Abstract

Hydrochemical investigation of groundwater samples was carried out in Yenagoa, Southern Nigeria in an attempt to determine the suitability of the groundwater quality for domestic use. Twenty four groundwater samples were collected from domestic boreholes in the study area and were analyzed for major ions. The hydrochemical parameters determined were statistically examined and correlated. Factor analysis was applied to extract the principal factors responsible for the variation in the hydrochemistry. Water Quality Index (WQI) rating was calculated to quantify overall suitability of the water for human consumption. The results show that the correlation coefficient matrix between Electrical Conductivity (EC), Na+ and Cl- was significant, which is an indication of seawater influence on the groundwater quality. The geochemistry of the groundwater is controlled mainly by rock-water interaction, ion exchange reactions, reductive dissolution of iron bearing minerals and weathering of silicate group of minerals. The WQI of the study area ranged from 5.7-32.7, indicating excellent water quality.

Keywords:

Factor analysis, groundwater, hydrochemistry, water quality index, Yenagoa,

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