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Nigeria, Katsina State, Daura

Hydrogeological and mineral resources mapping of Daura and its environs

The study area, Daura and its environs, is located in Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria. It is defined by longitudes 008° 12' to 008° 26.30'E and latitudes 12° 55' to 13° 09'N with total area of 625km2.\r\n\r\nThe area is underlain by both Crystalline Basement rocks and sedimentary rocks and it lies at the eastern periphery of the Iullemmeden (Sokoto) Basin.\r\n\r\nThe water type in the project area is predominantly alkaline (sodium and potassium) and predominantly chloride (Cl-) and (SO42-) water species.\r\n\r\nGeophysical investigation of Daura town and environs was able to map the groundwater distribution and the extent of infiltration of contaminant plumes from Kwargwam dumpsite, some 250m east of the famous Kusugu well. Geophysical investigation using the electrical method was able to map the groundwater distribution and the extent of infiltration of contaminant plumes from Kwargwam dumpsite, some 250m east of the famous Kusugu well and these conductive plumes have ability to contaminate wells around the dumpsite and even the Kusugu well since contaminant plumes have been reported to infiltrate the subsurface to a depth of 15m into the saturated zones below the water table and could be traceable for over 760m away from dumpsite.\r\n\r\nThe investigations revealed that Daura is endowed with huge industrial and metallic mineral potentials, which can be categorized into four broad groups: aggregate materials (construction); glass sand (silica sand); clays/kaolin and Iron ore. However, it is recommended that the appropriate technology should be employed to effectively harness these mineral potentials so as to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the inhabitants of Daura and its environs.\r\nThe physical and chemical parameters of the water samples conformed to international standards of potable water except for a few water samples having concentrations of certain constituents exceeding the WHO and NSDWQ maximum permissible limits in drinking water, which rendered the water in those localities unfit for human consumption. \r\n\r\nSummary of the recommendations are:\r\n(a) To carry out detailed geotechnical investigation to determine the strength of the clay potential.\r\n(b) Kwagwan dumpsite should be covered up with bentonitic clay or locally sourced clay to prevent further contamination of the groundwater.\r\n(c) The drinking water should be treated with water softening materials in order to reduce its hardness.\r\n\r\n

Inserted in the reports are the following maps (1:50,000): Location map, Drainage & Accessibility map, Geological map, Lineament map, Water Table Elevation Contour map, Concentration maps of pH, Calcium, Chloride, Iron, Total Alkalinity, and Total Hardness.