Assessing the groundwater quality in Ghana's Nanton District: comprehensive evaluation and implications for sustainable management

Abstract

Abstract This study, conducted in the Nanton District of Northern Ghana, assesses groundwater quality for drinking purposes and examines hydrochemical processes. We collected and analyzed 30 groundwater samples, evaluating their physicochemical properties, microbial content, microbial and physicochemical relationship, and hydrochemistry. Utilizing methods such as the weighted arithmetic water quality index (WQI), Gibbs and Piper diagrams, Stiff plots, scatter plots, and correlation matrices, we aimed to comprehensively understand groundwater quality in the district. Physicochemically, our findings indicate that approximately 83.3% of the groundwater is safe for direct consumption without treatment. However, microbial contamination was prevalent in all samples, rendering them unsafe. Parameters such as iron, manganese, color, turbidity, nitrates, sulfate, and pH were identified as potential influencers of microbial survival in the groundwater. Regarding major ions, sodium (Na+) dominated among cations, while bicarbonate (HCO3-) was the primary anion. Water types were categorized as Na-K-HCO3−, Na-K-Cl-SO42−, Ca-Mg-HCO3−, and mixed water, reflecting the hydrochemical composition. Our analysis revealed that rock weathering, evaporation, ion exchange, and human activities influence groundwater chemistry. We recommend further research to assess groundwater availability for sustainable development in the district. Additionally, continued research is encouraged to enhance our understanding of the correlation between coliform bacteria and physicochemical water parameters.