Assessment of Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Properties of Groundwater in Edéa (Cameroon)

Abstract

In order to assess the physicochemical and heavy metal properties of groundwater consumed in Edéa (Cameroon), 8 boreholes were randomly chosen from 8 sites and their suitability was evaluated using three norms viz Cameroonian Norm (NC207:2003-02) and International standards including (CODEX: 108-1981 and European Union, EU:1998). Water samples were collected in triplicates bimonthly and analyzed using standard methods. Physicochemical analysis showed high temperatures with a mean value of (30.26 ±2.4) °C, acidic pH 5.94±0.34 and very weak mineralization leading to an electrical conductivity value of (134, 96 ± 49.59) µS/cm. The relative abundance of major ions was Ca 2+ >Mg 2+ >Na + > NH 4 + >K + for cations and NO -3 > HCO -3 -> PO 4 3-> SO 4 2->Clfor anions. All these ions fell within acceptable limits recommended by NC207:2003-0 boreholes 2, CODEX: 108-1981 and EU: 1998 with an exception for nitrates, ammonium and phosphate contents which were above acceptable limits. Among heavy metals analyzed, results showed that only lead and manganese values were above the standards'; all boreholes were contaminated by Lead while only 32.5% was contaminated by Manganese. The main water types were Mg-Ca-SO 4 3--Cland Mg-Ca-HCO 3 can't result to an alteration of the aquifer matrix (dissolution of Gypsum chloride) and influence of anthropogenic activities through infiltration of agricultural, industrial and domestic waste water. These results showed that water of Edéa is not suitable for human consumption and must be appropriately treated before any usage.

Physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals of groundwater during the wet and dry seasons at the Lafarge cement factory environment, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria

“…Studies on the physicochemical characteristics of groundwater and heavy metals have been carried out in Africa (Amoako et al, 2011; Beatrice et al, 2019; Boateng et al, 2019), Asia (Bhagure & Mirgane, 2011; Lou et al, 2017; Nagendrappa et al, 2010; Rezaverdinejad & Rahimi, 2017; Selvam, 2017; Shakerkhatibi et al, 2019; Shyamala et al, 2008; Wang et al, 2022; Zhai et al, 2022), Europe (Algül & Beyhan, 2020; Dippong et al, 2022; Stamatis et al, 2001; Zanchi et al, 2022), North America (de León‐Gómez et al, 2020), and South America (Custodio et al, 2021; Gimenez et al, 2013; Rupias et al, 2021). Many scholars including Adejuwon and Mbuk (2011) and Alabi et al (2013) based their studies on the physicochemical characteristics of groundwater water in Nigeria.…”

Harmful Impacts of Heavy Metals and Utility of Biosorption Technique for Their Removal from Wastewater: A Review

“…However, as urbanization and industrialization increase, so does the density of polluted wastewater deposition, resulting in the release of many toxic contaminants into the surrounding environment and a variety of negative repercussions on the ecological system and environment, e.g., contaminated water, polluted air, and soil, and so on (Malik et al, 2019). In developing countries, proper and clean water supply is a concerning challenge nowadays and more than 18 million people are dying each year due to water-borne diseases (Beatrice et al, 2019). Various industries e.g., the manufacture of batteries, steel, paper, paint, pulp, metal plating, agrochemicals, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, chemical manufacturing, mining, leather tanning, and fertilizer industries produce wastewater containing heavy metal ions and discharge their untreated or poorly treated effluents into water sources e.g., rivers, ponds, lakes, etc.…”

Seasonal Variation and Diversity of Bacteria of the Vibrio and Salmonella Genera Isolated in a Few Underground Water Points Developed in the Commune of Ntui (Mbam-Et-Kim Department, Center-Cameroon)

“…In 2008, more than 2.6 billion people worldwide did not have access to safe water and almost 900 million people did not have access to an improved supply of drinking water according to the report published by the program WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring for Water Supply and Sanitation WHO (2004). In Cameroon, out of a population of nearly 24 million, about 8 million Cameroonians do not have access to a drinking water service Aline Beatrice et al (2019). When accessible, water is often subject to chemical and/or bacteriological contamination Ananga et al (2020).…”