Investigation of groundwater salinity levels using physicochemical analysis around Gada-Mashegu area, north central Nigeria: Implications of drinking water and irrigated farms

Water salinity is a growing global environmental health concern. However, little is known about the relationship between water salinity and chronic health outcomes in humans, fauna and flora in developing countries across the globe including the study area and the country at large This study was conducted in Gada–Mashegu, Niger North-Central Nigeria, to assess the salinity level in water samples that are used for consumption and irrigation practices. Three samples were obtained from the site (river, hand dug well and borehole) water sources. Laboratory analysis was conducted to determine different physicochemical properties of the water samples. Results of the water samples analyzed from river, hand dug well and borehole revealed that pH levels were (6.17, 6.60 and 7.53), SAR (0.07, 0.08, 7.35) ds/m EC (528, 12.51 and 4.19) Hardness (4554.1, 2831. 25), respectively. The drinking water of Hand dug well and that of bore hole water of the study area were consistent with World Health Organization standard for drinking water (WHO). On the other hand, the electrical conductivity level (EC) of the river water is above that of WHO standard. This could be the effect of agricultural runoffs. Drinking this water source could result in health problems and diseases. On irrigation practices the entire water source may be used for irrigation but no guarantee of achieving100% crop yield.