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Volume 7 Journal of Geology & Geophysics
ISSN: 2381-8719 Soil Science 2018
October 22-23, 2018
October 22-23, 2018 | Berlin, Germany
2nd Annual Congress on
Soil and Water Sciences
Preliminary investigation into groundwater suitability for domestic use in the Matoks catchment,
Limpopo Province, South Africa
Lawrence Diko Makia
University of Venda, RSA
Statement of the Problem: The Matoks area, comprising Mphakane, Dikgading, Sekonye, Springs, Mamotshana, Makgato
and Sekalegolo villages, under the jurisdiction of the Molemole Local Municipality have been collectively described as a water
scarce community. To address current and future water demands of these communities, there is a dire need to evaluate the
groundwater resource potentials in the area.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: In this study, groundwater physico-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, TDS,
alkalinity and hardness) and chemical constituents (HCO3, NO3, NH4, Cl, F, Mg, Ca, Na, and K) from 11 boreholes drilled
within crystalline aquifers in the area were analysed. Hill-Piper and the simplified Durov diagrams were used to appraise
chemical characteristics of groundwater.
Findings: Results for the physico-chemical parameters ranged as follows; pH (6.8-8.81), conductivity (67.8-413.2 mS/cm),
TDS (439.4-2685.8 mg/L), alkalinity (176-410 mg/L as HCO3), and total hardness (81.15-630.84 mg/L as CaCO3), with
concentration of major ions in the order; CO3>NO3>Cl>F>NH4 and Ca>Na>Mg> K. Groundwater was classified into four
hydrogeochemical facies: Ca2+- Mg2+- HCO3 – (Type I); Na+- K+ - Ca2+- HCO3– (Type II); Na+- K+- Cl- - SO42- (Type
III) and Ca2+ - Mg2+-Cl-- SO42- (Type IV). About 36.4% of the samples trend towards Type III (saline) whereas 63.6% tend
towards Type II (alkaline).
Conclusion & Significance: The results suggests significant mixing of the water types, primarily through ion exchange
reactions. Based on World Health Organization and the South African standards, water quality from 7 of the 11 boreholes was
classified as good, 3 poor and one unacceptable for domestic use. Several recommendations are advanced to mitigate adverse
health risk as well as improve water quality.
J Geol Geophys 2018, Volume 7
DOI: 10.4172/2381-8719-C2-021