Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater quality, East of Mount Cameroon and West of the Penda Mboko River, suitability for drinking and irrigation use

Abstract

The physicochemical properties and impacts on water quality were evaluated in volcanic and sedimentary aquifer systems for management and sustainable development. Fifty (50) water samples were collected from hand dug wells, boreholes springs and rivers. The physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, T, and Salinity) were measured in situ. The pH ranged from 6.22 to 6.68 with a mean of 6.49 signifying slightly acidic. Slightly mineralized water sources with TDS that ranged from 11 to 211 mg / l. The mean concentration of the major ions indicated Ca2+ >Mg2+ > Na+ > k+ and HCO3− >CL− >NO3− >SO42− The hydrochemical facies were Ca-Cl type (74%), Ca-HCO3 type (20%), and mixed Ca-Mg-Cl (6%). The Gibbs plots indicated 86% dominance of rock weathering influencing the chemistry of the water sources, 14% by precipitation and cation-exchange as indicated by positive CAI values. Twenty-nine (58%) samples were classified as excellent water quality (Rank I) according to the Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI). At the same time, 13 (26%) samples had drinking water of good quality (rank II). In the research area, the distribution of groundwater physicochemical indicators and drinking water quality index (DWQI) was shown. According to the Wilcox diagram connecting sodium percentage with total concentration, all of the samples fell in the good to permissible for irrigation. Based on Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) and Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), the results indicated that the majority of the groundwater samples were suitable for irrigation.