Affiliation:
1. a School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 24, Navrongo, Ghana
2. b Environmental Chemistry and Sanitation Engineering Division, Water Research Institute, CSIR Premises, Airport Res. Area, P.O. Box M. 32, Accra, Ghana
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.
Subject
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law,Pollution,Water Science and Technology,Ecology,Civil and Structural Engineering,Environmental Engineering
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