Evaluation of groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking,domestic, and agricultural uses in the Banana Plain (Mbanga,Njombe, Penja) of the Cameroon Volcanic Line |
| |
Authors: | Andrew Ako Ako Jun Shimada Takahiro Hosono Kimpei Ichiyanagi George Elambo Nkeng Wilson Yetoh Fantong Gloria Eneke Takem Eyong Ntankouo Njila Roger |
| |
Institution: | 1.Graduate School of Science and Technology, Isotope Hydrology Laboratory,Kumamoto University,Kumamoto,Japan;2.Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence,Kumamoto University,Kumamoto,Japan;3.National Advanced School of Public Works Yaoundé,Yaoundé,Cameroon;4.Hydrological Research Centre Yaoundé-Cameroon,Yaoundé,Cameroon;5.Department of Agric Engineering, Water Resources Management Laboratory,University of Dschang,Dschang,Cameroon |
| |
Abstract: | Groundwater quality of the Banana Plain (Mbanga, Njombe, Penja—Cameroon) was assessed for its suitability for drinking, domestic,
and agricultural uses. A total of 67 groundwater samples were collected from open wells, springs, and boreholes. Samples were
analyzed for physicochemical properties, major ions, and dissolved silica. In 95% of groundwater samples, calcium is the dominant
cation, while sodium dominates in 5% of the samples. Eighty percent of the samples have HCO3 as major anion, and in 20%, NO3 is the major anion. Main water types in the study area are CaHCO3, CaMgHCO3, CaNaHCO3, and CaNaNO3ClHCO3. CO2-driven weathering of silicate minerals followed by cation exchange seemingly controls largely the concentrations of major
ions in the groundwaters of this area. Nitrate, sulfate, and chloride concentrations strongly express the impact of anthropogenic
activities (agriculture and domestic activities) on groundwater quality. Sixty-four percent of the waters have nitrate concentrations
higher than the drinking water limit. Also limiting groundwater use for potable and domestic purposes are contents of Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3
− and total hardness (TH) that exceed World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Irrigational suitability of groundwaters in
the study area was also evaluated, and results show that all the samples are fit for irrigation. Groundwater quality in the
Banana Plain is impeded by natural geology and anthropogenic activities, and proper groundwater management strategies are
necessary to protect sustainably this valuable resource. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|