International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Nura Umar Kura, Sani Umar Usman, Dau Umar Abba, Tukur Mohammed Ahijo
Abstract: Understanding the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and surface water is vital for sustainable irrigation management in semi-arid environments. This study employed integrated hydrochemical modelling and statistical analysis to evaluate water quality and irrigation suitability in Northern Nigeria. Thirteen water samples: ten groundwater (G₁ to G₁₀) and three surface waters (R₁ to R₃) were analysed for major cations and anions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH. Irrigation indices, including Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Percent Sodium (%Na), Kelley’s Ratio (KR), and Magnesium Hazard (MH), were modelled to classify suitability using FAO and USSL standards. Multivariate techniques: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), were applied to identify dominant processes and inter-parameter relationships. The results showed that EC ranged from 152.9 to 682 µS cm⁻¹ (mean = 345.6 µS cm⁻¹), while TDS ranged from 97.9 to 436.5 mg L⁻¹ (mean = 234.1 mg L⁻¹), classifying most samples as low-salinity (C₁) and medium-salinity (C₂) waters. SAR values (0.21- 2.54) confirmed low sodicity (S₁) across all samples, whereas Na% (14 – 48%) and KR (< 1) indicated excellent to good irrigation water. PCA revealed three principal components explaining 83% of total variance, dominated by mineral dissolution and ion-exchange processes. HCA separated samples into three clusters: Cluster I (groundwater with higher mineralisation) and Cluster II (river water with moderate ionic concentrations). Overall, water from the study area is suitable for irrigation with minimal management practices. Continuous monitoring is recommended to track potential salinisation as agricultural expansion intensifies.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17897905
