SALINE WATER VARIABILITY IN AZARA DEVLOPMENT AREA OF NASARWA STATE

This study examines the variability of saline water properties under salt mining activities in Ribi, Azara and Akiri areas of Azara Development Area. A total number of Forty (40) water samples were collected and analysed for the physical, chemical and environmental impact of saline water in the three areas. The results of the chemical analysis revealed that the cation concentration are in order of Na, >Ca2+>Mg2+ while that of anions are in the order Cl->HCO3->SO22+>SO42-. In percentage, the degree of metal concentration is comparable in the two study areas, except for some non-metals. Significant positive correlations were observed between and among the variables in the three areas. The geo-accumulation index order for brine are in these order Na >Ca> Mg>Mn> Al > Cr > Li. The major salts identified were Cl-, HCO32-, SO42-, and NO32-. The high electrical conductivity value recorded is as a result of high concentration of brine water in the study areas.