Assessment of the relationship between soil and water properties of some selected water sources in Dutse, Jigawa Nigeria

Abstract

round water remains the major source of domestic water in many Nigerian communities including Dutse, but increasing urbanization and poor sanitation have heightened the risk of soil and water contamination. Understanding the relationship between soil properties and ground water properties is essential for ensuring safe water for household use. The focus of this study is to determine the relationship between soil physico-chemical properties and the quality of well and borehole water within the study area. Twenty water samples were collected from wells and boreholes and surface soil samples were also collected. Water and soil samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters. Correlation between soil and water parameters were determined using Spearman’s rank correlation. The result obtained from the properties of soil shows that soil close to wells  has higher EC, phosphorus, TDS, nitrite , nitrate,  calcium and magnesium,, while the soil close to borehole has higher temperature, DO and pH.  Calcium ion (ca²⁺) concentration shows significant mean differences between soil close to the well and borehole. Other soil parameters were not statistically significant. Ground water parameters such as nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and hardness largely complied with WHO and NSDWQ standards, although elevated electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were observed in some sources. The correlation between soil and water properties shows positive relationship between soil properties and water properties, indicating that soil act as a medium through which water acquires its chemical composition. The study recommends regular monitoring and proper management of soil and water resources.