Short Communication
Thompson Henry Tolulope OGUNRI
Abstract
Thirty one groundwater samples were collected in the study area and were taken to Adekunle Ajasin Research laboratory where each samples were analysed for 27 parameters. Anions were determined by titration, heavy metals by AAS and so, dium and potassium by flame photometer. Geostatistical techniques such as descriptive, correlation coefficient, cluster and factor analyses were used for the interpretation of large and complex hydrogeochemical data obtained from 31 groundwater samples from coastal aquifers in Igbokada area in Dahomey Basin, Nigeria. The purpose was to determine the spatial variability of groundwater and to identify their various sources of pollution. Pollutants in the groundwater are Oil and grease; iron and Mg2+ and Cl- due to saltwater intrusion from Atlantic Ocean. Cluster analysis classified water into three groups, fresh, intermediate and polluted water according their geochemical and location characteristics. There were 4 Factor analysis, factor 1 indicated high loading of magnesium and chloride ions that were responsible for the groundwater pollution and they are likely to be derived from saltwater intrusion, Factor 2, showed high loading of calcium and calcium hardness that were responsible for its temporary hardness. Factor 3, exhibits high loading of Na+ and K+ which may be due to saltwater intrusion, Factor 4, showed high loading of Mn+ and Zn+ which may be derived from ores, and low loading of SO42 . Groundwater here are good for drinking except those in locations 3, 4, 5, 20, 21, 21, 23, and 28 which were polluted and should be discarded for health reasons.