Hydrochemical peculiarities and groundwater quality assessment of the Birimian and Tarkwaian aquifer systems in Bosome Freho District and Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Boansi Okofo ◽  
Nana Akyerefi Anderson ◽  
Kenneth Bedu-Addo ◽  
Ekua Afrakoma Armoo
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Carbonic Acid ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Water Discharge ◽  
Groundwater Chemistry ◽  
Discharge Zone ◽  
Statistical Tool ◽  
Rock Interaction ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
Aquifer Systems

Abstract The Birimian and Tarkwaian aquifer systems are the main sources of water supply for the Bosome Freho District and Bekwai Municipality inhabitants in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A hydrogeochemical assessment was carried out to ascertain the natural baseline chemistry of the groundwaters and the factors influencing groundwater chemistry in these two areas. A multivariate statistical tool consisting of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) together with hydrochemical graphical plots was applied on 64 groundwater samples. The Q–mode HCA results were used to explain the groundwater quality flow paths where three spatial groundwater zones and water types were delineated. The first type consists of Ca–Mg–HCO3 freshwater (recharge zone), which transitions into Ca–Na–HCO3 or Na–Ca–HCO3 mixed waters (intermediate zone) and finally evolve to the third type of Na–Ca–Mg–HCO3–Cl water (discharge zone). The study also reveals that the natural process influencing water chemistry is groundwater–rock interaction from carbonate and silicate weathering/dissolution, aided by carbonic acid from precipitation and releases concentration of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3- into the groundwaters significantly. The chloro-alkaline indices also reveal cation exchange as the principal natural factors that control groundwater chemistry in the area. Anthropogenic activities have little influence on groundwater chemistry. The quality of groundwater in the Bosome Freho District and Bekwai Municipality are suitable for irrigational use and drinking water consumption. The results obtained so far will contribute to research paucity in the study area and serve as a guide for decision-makers for improved water resources management.

scholarly journals Hydrochemical peculiarities and groundwater quality assessment of the Birimian and Tarkwaian aquifer systems in Bosome Freho District and Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Boansi Okofo ◽  
Nana Akyerefi Anderson ◽  
Kenneth Bedu-Addo ◽  
Ekua Afrakoma Armoo
Keyword(s):  
Carbonic Acid ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Water Discharge ◽  
Groundwater Chemistry ◽  
Discharge Zone ◽  
Statistical Tool ◽  
Natural Factor ◽  
Rock Interaction ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
Aquifer Systems

AbstractThe Birimian and Tarkwaian aquifer systems are the main sources of water supply for the Bosome Freho District and Bekwai Municipality inhabitants in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A hydrogeochemical assessment was carried out to ascertain the natural baseline chemistry of the groundwaters and the factors influencing groundwater chemistry in these two areas. A multivariate statistical tool consisting of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) together with hydrochemical graphical plots was applied on 64 groundwater samples. The Q–mode HCA results were used to explain the changes in groundwater chemistry along the flow paths where three spatial groundwater zones and water types were delineated. The first type consists of Ca–Mg–HCO3 freshwater (recharge zone), which transitions into Ca–Na–HCO3 or Na–Ca–HCO3 mixed waters (intermediate zone) and finally evolves to the third type of Na–Ca–Mg–HCO3–Cl water (discharge zone). The study also reveals that the natural process influencing water chemistry is groundwater–rock interaction from carbonate and silicate weathering/dissolution, aided by carbonic acid from precipitation and releases concentration of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3− into the groundwaters significantly. The chloro-alkaline indices also reveal cation exchange as the principal natural factor that controls groundwater chemistry in the area. Inverse geochemical modelling shows the dissolution of primary minerals such as dolomite, plagioclase, halite, gypsum, and precipitation of calcite and chlorite along the groundwater flow path. Anthropogenic activities have little influence on groundwater chemistry. The quality of groundwater in the Bosome Freho District and Bekwai Municipality is suitable for irrigational use and drinking water consumption. The results obtained so far will contribute to research paucity in the study area and serve as a guide for decision-makers for improved water resources management.

Influences of natural and anthropogenic processes on the groundwater quality in the Dagujia River Basin in Yantai, China

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henghua Zhu ◽  
Jianwei Zhou ◽  
Tingting Song ◽  
Haibo Feng ◽  
Zhizheng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Seawater Intrusion ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Industrial Development ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Total Hardness ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Rock Interaction ◽  
Natural Processes

Abstract Groundwater plays an important role in water supply and economic development for Yantai city, China. However, the groundwater quality has degraded due to the increase and expansion of agricultural and industrial development. It is urgent to acquire groundwater characteristics and distinguish impacts of natural factors and anthropogenic activities on the groundwater quality. Forty-six groundwater samples collected from different wells showed a great variation of chemical components across the study area. Most wells with higher total dissolved solids, total hardness, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl− and SO42− concentrations were located relatively close to the coastal zone. The factor analysis (FA) and hierarchical cluster analysis results displayed that seawater intrusion was the primary mechanism controlling the groundwater quality in the coastal areas. A three-factor model was proposed based on the FA and explained over 85% of the total groundwater quality variation: Factor 1, the seawater intrusion; Factor 2, the water–rock interaction and Factor 3 (NO3−), the human activities. Furthermore, the geographical maps of the factor scores clearly described the spatial distributions of wells affected by natural processes or human activities. The study indicated that both natural processes and human activities are the major factors affecting the chemical compositions of groundwater.

scholarly journals Geo-environmental analysis of the groundwater quality in the vicinity of textile industrial zone

2021 ◽  
Vol 2070 (1) ◽  
pp. 012188
Author(s):  
K Arumugam ◽  
T Karthika ◽  
M Kartic Kumar ◽  
R K. Sangeetha ◽  
T Anitha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Economic Behavior ◽  
Subsurface Water ◽  
Industrial Zone ◽  
Rock Interaction ◽  
Process Factor ◽  
Two Samples

Abstract The increase in inhabitants and development of advantageous economic behavior undoubtedly leads to escalating water demand for different uses. Improper planning, mismanagement, inappropriate standards and procedure for discharging the industrial effluents are prime causes for deterioration of groundwater quality in industrial zone. The study vicinity is exaggerated by subsurface water quality problem. To evaluate the water quality of aquifer, sixty two samples were collected, analyzed and the results of the data are evaluated according to the standards. Hydro-chemical facies, rock-water process, factor analysis, correlation matrix studies were carried out for assessing the associated hydro-chemical process operating in the progress of salinity concentration. The analysis reveals that water belongs to highly brackish type. In this study zone, groundwater is influenced by water-rock interaction and evaporation process. Factor analysis shows that the groundwater is greatly deteriorated by anthropogenic activities. Based on hyrochemical study, the subsurface water is not fit for domestic purposes.

scholarly journals Aquifer configuration and geostructural links control the groundwater quality in thin-bedded carbonate–siliciclastic alternations of the Hainich CZE, central Germany

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 6091-6116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Kohlhepp ◽  
Robert Lehmann ◽  
Paul Seeber ◽  
Kirsten Küsel ◽  
Susan E. Trumbore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Land Management ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
Rock Interaction ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Synoptic Analysis ◽  
Aquifer Systems ◽  
Variable Surface

Abstract. The quality of near-surface groundwater reservoirs is controlled, but also threatened, by manifold surface–subsurface interactions. Vulnerability studies typically evaluate the variable interplay of surface factors (land management, infiltration patterns) and subsurface factors (hydrostratigraphy, flow properties) in a thorough way, but disregard the resulting groundwater quality. Conversely, hydrogeochemical case studies that address the chemical evolution of groundwater often lack a comprehensive analysis of the structural buildup. In this study, we aim to reconstruct the actual spatial groundwater quality pattern from a synoptic analysis of the hydrostratigraphy, lithostratigraphy, pedology and land use in the Hainich Critical Zone Exploratory (Hainich CZE). This CZE represents a widely distributed yet scarcely described setting of thin-bedded mixed carbonate–siliciclastic strata in hillslope terrains. At the eastern Hainich low-mountain hillslope, bedrock is mainly formed by alternated marine sedimentary rocks of the Upper Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic) that partly host productive groundwater resources. Spatial patterns of the groundwater quality of a 5.4 km long well transect are derived by principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Aquifer stratigraphy and geostructural links were deduced from lithological drill core analysis, mineralogical analysis, geophysical borehole logs and mapping data. Maps of preferential recharge zones and recharge potential were deduced from digital (soil) mapping, soil survey data and field measurements of soil hydraulic conductivities (Ks). By attributing spatially variable surface and subsurface conditions, we were able to reconstruct groundwater quality clusters that reflect the type of land management in their preferential recharge areas, aquifer hydraulic conditions and cross-formational exchange via caprock sinkholes or ascending flow. Generally, the aquifer configuration (spatial arrangement of strata, valley incision/outcrops) and related geostructural links (enhanced recharge areas, karst phenomena) control the role of surface factors (input quality and locations) vs. subsurface factors (water–rock interaction, cross-formational flow) for groundwater quality in the multi-layered aquifer system. Our investigation reveals general properties of alternating sequences in hillslope terrains that are prone to forming multi-layered aquifer systems. This synoptic analysis is fundamental and indispensable for a mechanistic understanding of ecological functioning, sustainable resource management and protection.

scholarly journals Investigating Groundwater Condition and Seawater Intrusion Status in Coastal Aquifer Systems of Eastern India

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 1952
Author(s):  
Subrata Halder ◽  
Lingaraj Dhal ◽  
Madan K. Jha
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Seawater Intrusion ◽  
Groundwater Level ◽  
Coastal Aquifer ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Confined Aquifer ◽  
Groundwater Levels ◽  
Post Monsoon ◽  
Aquifer Systems ◽  
Sustainable Water Supply

Providing sustainable water supply for domestic needs and irrigated agriculture is one of the most significant challenges for the current century. This challenge is more daunting in coastal regions. Groundwater plays a pivotal role in addressing this challenge and hence, it is under growing stress in several parts of the world. To address this challenge, a proper understanding of groundwater characteristics in an area is essential. In this study, spatio-temporal analyses of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon groundwater-levels of two coastal aquifer systems (upper leaky confined and underlying confined) were carried out in Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, India. Trend analysis of seasonal groundwater-levels of the two aquifers systems was also performed using Mann-Kendall test, Linear Regression test, and Innovative Trend test. Finally, the status of seawater intrusion in the two aquifers was evaluated using available groundwater-quality data of Chloride (Cl−) and Total Dissolve Solids (TDS). Considerable spatial and temporal variability was found in the seasonal groundwater-levels of the two aquifers. Further, decreasing trends were spotted in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon groundwater-level time series of the leaky confined and confined aquifers, except pre-monsoon groundwater-levels in Contai-I and Deshpran blocks, and the post-monsoon groundwater-level in Ramnagar-I block for the leaky confined aquifer. The leaky confined aquifer in Contai-I, Contai-III, and Deshpran blocks and the confined aquifer in Nandigram-I and Nandigram-II blocks are vulnerable to seawater intrusion. There is an urgent need for the real-time monitoring of groundwater-levels and groundwater quality in both the aquifer systems, which can ensure efficient management of coastal groundwater reserves.

scholarly journals Water Quality and Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Some Karst Water Sources in Apuseni Mountains, Romania

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 857
Author(s):  
Maria-Alexandra Hoaghia ◽  
Ana Moldovan ◽  
Eniko Kovacs ◽  
Ionut Cornel Mirea ◽  
Marius Kenesz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Major Ions ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Main Process ◽  
Karst Water ◽  
Rock Interaction ◽  
Apuseni Mountains ◽  
Karst Waters

Human activities and natural factors determine the hydrogeochemical characteristics of karst groundwaters and their use as drinking water. This study assesses the hydrogeochemical characteristics of 14 karst water sources in the Apuseni Mountains (NW Romania) and their potential use as drinking water sources. As shown by the Durov and by the Piper diagrams, the chemical composition of the waters is typical of karst waters as it is dominated by HCO3− and Ca2+, having a circumneutral to alkaline pH and total dissolved solids ranging between 131 and 1092 mg L−1. The relation between the major ions revealed that dissolution is the main process contributing to the water chemistry. Limestone and dolostone are the main Ca and Mg sources, while halite is the main Na and Cl source. The Gibbs diagram confirmed the rock dominance of the water chemistry. The groundwater quality index (GWQI) showed that the waters are of excellent quality, except for two waters that displayed medium and good quality status. The quality of the studied karst waters is influenced by the geological characteristics, mainly by the water–rock interaction and, to a more limited extent, by anthropogenic activities. The investigated karst waters could be exploited as drinking water resources in the study area. The results of the present study highlight the importance of karst waters in the context of good-quality water shortage but also the vulnerability of this resource to anthropogenic influences.

scholarly journals Natural and human-induced factors controlling the phreatic groundwater geochemistry of the Longgang River basin, South China

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-219
Author(s):  
Wei Li ◽  
Xiaohong Chen ◽  
Linshen Xie ◽  
Gong Cheng ◽  
Zhao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Chemical Evolution ◽  
South China ◽  
Major Ions ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Ionic Composition ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Ammonia Concentration

AbstractGroundwater chemical evolution is the key to ensuring the sustainability of local society and economy development. In this study, four river sections and 59 groundwater wells are investigated in the Longgang River (L.R.) basin in South China. Comprehensive hydrochemical analysis methods are adopted to determine the dominant factors controlling the chemical evolution of the local phreatic groundwater and the potential impact of human activities on groundwater quality. The results indicate that the ionic composition of the local phreatic groundwater is dominated by Ca2+ (0.9–144.0 mg/L), HCO3− (4.4–280.0 mg/L), and SO42− (1.0–199.0 mg/L). Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Na–HCO3, and Na–Ca–HCO3 are the major groundwater hydrochemical facies. Water–rock interactions, such as the dissolution of calcite and dolomite, are the primary source of the major ions in the local groundwater. Cation-exchange reaction has its effects on the contents of Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+. Ammonia concentration of the sampling sections in the L.R. increases from 0.03 to 2.01 mg/L along the flow direction. Groundwater nitrate in the regions of the farmland is attributed to the lowest level of the groundwater quality standards of China, while the same test results are obtained for heavy metals in the industrial park and landfill, suggesting a negative impact of the anthropogenic activities on the local phreatic groundwater quality.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in the Vicinity of Khurrianwala Industrial Zone, Pakistan

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Aleem ◽  
Cao Shun ◽  
Chao Li ◽  
Arslan Aslam ◽  
Wu Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Total Hardness ◽  
Industrial Zone ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
National Environmental

The industrial augmentation and unguided anthropogenic activities contaminate water sources in most parts of the world especially in developing countries like Pakistan. High concentration of pollutants in groundwater affects human, soil, and crop health badly. The present study was conducted to investigate groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes in an industrial zone of Pakistan. A GIS tool was used to investigate the spatial distribution of different physico-chemical parameters. In this study, the average results exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) and National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) were found for pH 7.84, total dissolved solids (TDS) 1492 mg/L, phosphate 0.51 mg/L, dissolved oxygen (DO) 9.92% saturation, F-coli 6.48 colonies/100 mL, Na+ 366 mg/L, HCO3− 771 mg/L, sulfate 251 mg/L, chlorides 427 mg/L, total hardness (as CaCO3) 292 mg/L, electrical conductivity (EC) 2408 μS/cm, iron (Fe) 0.48 mg/L, chrome (Cr) 0.50 mg/L, arsenic (As) 0.04 mg/L, total phosphorus (TP) 0.17 mg/L, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) 9.76 (in meq/L), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) 9.28 meq/L, % ion balance 14.4 (in meq/L), percentage sodium ion (% Na+) concentration 58.9 meq/L, and water quality index (WQI) 69.0. The trend of cations and anions were (in meq/L) Na > Mg > Ca > K and HCO3 > Cl > CO3 > SO4 respectively. Although the results of the present study showed poor conditions of the groundwater for drinking as WQI but and irrigation purposes as SAR, it needs to improve some more conditions for the provision of safe drinking water and irrigation water quality.

scholarly journals Assessing threats to shallow groundwater quality from soil pollutants in Glasgow, UK: development of a new screening tool

2017 ◽  
Vol 108 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 173-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. M. Fordyce ◽  
B. É. Ó Dochartaigh ◽  
H. C. Bonsor ◽  
E. L. Ander ◽  
M. T. Graham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Soil Sample ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Shallow Groundwater ◽  
Groundwater Chemistry ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Quaternary Deposit ◽  
Metal Concentrations ◽  
High Soil ◽  
Very High

ABSTRACTA new GIS-based screening tool to assess threats to shallow groundwater quality has been trialled in Glasgow, UK. The GRoundwater And Soil Pollutants (GRASP) tool is based on a British Standard method for assessing the threat from potential leaching of metal pollutants in unsaturated soil/superficial materials to shallow groundwater, using data on soil and Quaternary deposit properties, climate and depth to groundwater. GRASP breaks new ground by also incorporating a new Glasgow-wide soil chemistry dataset. GRASP considers eight metals, including chromium, lead and nickel at 1622 soil sample locations. The final output is a map to aid urban management, which highlights areas where shallow groundwater quality may be at risk from current and future surface pollutants. The tool indicated that 13% of soil sample sites in Glasgow present a very high potential threat to groundwater quality, due largely to shallow groundwater depths and high soil metal concentrations. Initial attempts to validate GRASP revealed partial spatial coincidence between the GRASP threat ranks (low, moderate, high and very high) and groundwater chemistry, with statistical correlation between areas of high soil and groundwater metal concentrations for both Cr and Cu (r2>0.152; P<0.05). Validation was hampered by a lack of, and inconsistency in, existing groundwater chemistry data. To address this, standardised subsurface data collection networks have been trialled recently in Glasgow. It is recommended that, once available, new groundwater depth and chemistry information from these networks is used to validate the GRASP model further.

scholarly journals Shallow Groundwater Quality Assessment and Its Suitability Analysis for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 3361
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yousuf Jat Baloch ◽  
Wenjing Zhang ◽  
Juanfen Chai ◽  
Shuxin Li ◽  
Muwaffaq Alqurashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Carbonic Acid ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Shallow Groundwater ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chloride Ions ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Water Type

For shallow groundwater, hydrogeochemical processes and quality assessment must be addressed because shallow groundwater is freely available in many parts of the globe. Due to recent anthropogenic activities and environmental changes in Sakrand, Sindh, Pakistan, the groundwater is extremely vulnerable. To provide safe drinking and agricultural water, hydrogeochemical analysis is required. Ninety-five groundwater samples were analyzed using agricultural and drinking indices to determine the hydrogeochemical parameters using multivariate analysis such as Pearson correlations, principal component cluster analysis, as well as Piper diagrams and Gibbs plot for drinking and agricultural indices. An abundance of ions was observed through the statistical summary; however, cations and anions were recorded in the orders Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3− > F−. The hydrogeochemical process used to quantify the major reactions occurring in the groundwater system showed rock dominance; the Piper diagrams evaluated the water type. A mixed pattern of calcium, magnesium, and chloride ions (Ca2+−Mg2+−Cl− type) was observed. Additionally, the ion exchange method showed an excess of bicarbonate ions due to carbonic acid weathering. The water quality index (WQI) resulted 32.6% of groundwater being unsuitable for human consumption; however, the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram showed 60% of samples fall in the irrigable category and the Wilcox diagram depicted 5% of samples lying in the unsuitable region. Most of the water samples were suitable for drinking; only a few samples were unsafe for drinking purposes for children due to the high hazard index. High salinity meant some samples were unsuitable for irrigation.

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