TITLE:
Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability in Kaduna Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Murtala Shehu Ahmed, Adamu Idris Tanko, Martin Obada Eduvie, Mohammed Ahmed
KEYWORDS:
Groundwater, Vulnerability Mapping, Contamination, Geographic Information Systems, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.5 No.6,
June
14,
2017
ABSTRACT: DRASTIC index model was employed in the assessment of the intrinsic groundwater vulnerability to contamination in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria. The model evaluates the contribution of seven environmental parameters (Depth to water level, Net Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of vadose zone, and Hydraulic Conductivity) in the protection of groundwater against contamination. The mapping was conducted within the framework of Geographical Information System. The study area has very low, low to slightly moderate vulnerability with highest and lowest DRASTIC values of 131 and 77 respectively. To have better understanding of the spatial vulnerability of groundwater in the area, the DRASTIC map was reclassified into five (very high, high, moderate, low and very low) vulnerability zones. Generally, the distribution of the vulnerability classes indicated the low to moderate vulnerability status of the majority parts of the study area, with high vulnerability at the center. Strict control measures should be put in place when locating land uses with high potential hazards in the high and very high vulnerability areas.