The Hydrogeology Of Jebl Mara Area With Special Emphasis On Water Quality,Western Sudan

Abstract

The study area situated between longitude 24°.00'—25°.00' east and latitude l2°.30' and l4°.OO' north. The aim of the study is to cover the geology, hydrology with special emphasis on water quality (qualitative and quantitative). A field work was carried out several times to the study area as to collect water samples and field observations. Water samples from hand pumps, dug wells, wadis and hot springs were collected from the area in dry and wet season. Physical, chemical, and bacteriological analyses were done in different laboratories by applying standard methods given by A.P.H.A., and A.W.W.A., standard methods. Major cations, some, some trace elements and other water properties were examined for all samples in three recognized laboratories. Seasonal variation (dry & wet) of physico-chemical properties major cations, major anions, some trace elements shown by drawing seasonal variation graphs and aerial distribution maps of all elements. A comparison between water from wadis and hot springs was also done. The study revealed that samples from wells (hand & dug) consists of variable concentrations of ions all of them fall within the permissible limit given by Word Health Organization (W.H.O., 1984) except manganese, total iron zinc concentration were high and above the recommended values. Great deficiencies of iodine were detected throughout the study area (low or nil values) in all samples taken. About 95% of samples from wells (hand and dug) classified as Calcium-Sodium-Bicarbonate-Chloride type, and 5% as Calcium—Magnesium-Bicarbonate-Chloride type .