Journal of Geology & Geophysics
Open Access

Preliminary investigation into groundwater suitability for domestic use in the Matoks catchment, Limpopo Province, South Africa

2^nd Annual Congress on Soil and Water Sciences

October 22-23, 2018 | Berlin, Germany

Lawrence Diko Makia

University of Venda, RSA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Geol Geophys

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: The Matoks area, comprising Mphakane, Dikgading, Sekonye, Springs, Mamotshana, Makgato and Sekalegolo villages, under the jurisdiction of the Molemole Local Municipality have been collectively described as a water scarce community. To address current and future water demands of these communities, there is a dire need to evaluate the groundwater resource potentials in the area. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: In this study, groundwater physico-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, TDS, alkalinity and hardness) and chemical constituents (HCO3, NO3, NH4, Cl, F, Mg, Ca, Na, and K) from 11 boreholes drilled within crystalline aquifers in the area were analysed. Hill-Piper and the simplified Durov diagrams were used to appraise chemical characteristics of groundwater. Findings: Results for the physico-chemical parameters ranged as follows; pH (6.8-8.81), conductivity (67.8-413.2 mS/cm), TDS (439.4-2685.8 mg/L), alkalinity (176-410 mg/L as HCO3), and total hardness (81.15-630.84 mg/L as CaCO3), with concentration of major ions in the order; CO3>NO3>Cl>F>NH4 and Ca>Na>Mg> K. Groundwater was classified into four hydrogeochemical facies: Ca2+- Mg2+- HCO3 â?? (Type I); Na+- K+ - Ca2+- HCO3â?? (Type II); Na+- K+- Cl- - SO42- (Type III) and Ca2+ - Mg2+-Cl-- SO42- (Type IV). About 36.4% of the samples trend towards Type III (saline) whereas 63.6% tend towards Type II (alkaline). Conclusion & Significance: The results suggests significant mixing of the water types, primarily through ion exchange reactions. Based on World Health Organization and the South African standards, water quality from 7 of the 11 boreholes was classified as good, 3 poor and one unacceptable for domestic use. Several recommendations are advanced to mitigate adverse health risk as well as improve water quality.

Biography :

E-mail: dikom73@gmail.com