Effect of marble mining on physicochemical properties of groundwater: implication for water safety in Kachi Dutse LGA, Jigawa State, Nigieria

Abstract

Marble mining activities have significant implication particularly on groundwater quality, which is a vital resource for local communities. This study assessed the effects of marble mining on the physicochemical properties of groundwater in Kachi, Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa state. Water samples were purposively collected from six wells within the study area and analysed for key parameters such as PH, temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, Ca²⁺, Ma ²⁺, Na²⁺, K²⁺ , Cl^-, SO^2-₄, PO^2-₄, HCO₃. Result obtained from samples collected in   dry season showed the highest mean level of temperature (32.22), PH (7.54) electrical conductivity (4316.7μS/cm), while the water samples’ results collected in the wet season showed temperature (26.7), turbidity (2.69NTU), PH (7.1), EC (2645.3 μS/cm) These results indicate notable variations in groundwater quality with samples closer to mining sites showing elevated  level  of calcium (1763mg/L), Magnesium (953 mg/L ), Total Hardness (TH) (8330.5 mg/L), Sodium (1575.49 mg/L), Potassium (2026.54 mg/L), (10.9 mg/L),  (2.25mg/L), Chlorine (4082.5 mg/L), HCO₃ (100.65 mg/L)for dry season. Water samples collected and assayed in the wet season recorded relatively low concentration of elements; Mg (241mg/L), Ca (1245.36mg/L), Na (101.14mg/L), TH (1384.43mg/L), K (115mg/L), (12.12mg/L), (0.87mg/L), chlorine (8875mg/L),  (11.44mg/L). Temporal analysis revealed distinct seasonal variations in groundwater quality, with chemical concentrations generally higher during the dry season than in the wet season. This pattern is likely associated with reduced dilution from rainfall and increased mining activity during the dry period. When compared with national and international water quality standards, the results indicate that the groundwater is unsafe for human consumption. These findings underscore the necessity for stringent environmental regulations and continuous groundwater monitoring.monitoring, and adoption of sustainable mining practices to minimize the negative impacts on water quality in the study area.