HYDRO GEOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOME SHALLOW WELLS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

The results of measurements of pH, temperature and major-ion concentration from thirty-four shallow wells in basement complex, Kaduna State, Nigeria < are presented and discussed. The result shows that the basement area of the state has c mean temperature range of 27° C to 30° C, the pH range is 7AS to 7.17 and shows mat the water do vary slightly in temperature and also slightly alkaline. The dominant cation, calcium (Ca2 ) concentration range from 4.8 mg L to 180mg L, the (Fe2) varies from 0.5mg L to 1.25mg L while the bicarbonate concentration range from 24mg L to 102mg L. High nitrate concentration (NO3) from 108mg L to 120mg L is also observed. From the data, water from fifteen shallow wells among the studied area are polluted, while water from twenty-four others are tolerable. The sources of pollutant may be from weathering of rocks, human and animal waste and industrial wastes from superphosphate, textiles and other small scale industries in the area. If. is necessary that water from the twelve shallow wells near the industrial estate is treated before use while the- industries should be made to adopt safe waste disposal methods.