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Abstract
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Article Information:
Groundwater Quality in the Sahelian Region of Northern Ghana, West Africa
S.J. Cobbina, F.K. Nyame and S. Obiri
Corresponding Author: S.J. Cobbina
Submitted: February 18, 2012
Accepted: March 12, 2012
Published: April 15, 2012 |
Abstract:
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In many arid ecological zones of the world, the utilization of groundwater for various purposes is
common due to the scarcity of surface water. In the sahelian regions of northern Ghana, groundwater serves
as a major source of freshwater for domestic and agricultural purposes. This study investigated the quality of
groundwater from 129 boreholes in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district in the Sahelian region of northern Ghana,
to promote and enhance the proper utilization of the resource. Samples were collected and analyzed for various
water quality parameters to evaluate its usefulness for domestic and agricultural use. Results indicates that
groundwater in the study is generally fresh and hard. It was found that majority of samples belong to the Ca-
Mg-HCO3 hydrochemical facies. Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) for all groundwater samples in the district
ranged from 0.18-3.61 (mean 1.00), implying that all the boreholes samples had excellent water that could be
used for irrigation. This was confirmed by analytical data plot on the US salinity diagram which illustrates that
majority of groundwater samples fall in the field of C2S1; indicating medium salinity and low sodium water.
Though many of the analysed parameters fall within acceptable range and thus most of the boreholes had water
which were chemically suitable for drinking, a few recorded total iron, manganese, lead, arsenic and fluoride
concentrations above permissible WHO levels, suggesting some concern in terms of potability, especially since
such water sources are extensively patronised by inhabitants for drinking and agricultural purposes.
Key words: Groundwater, hydrochemical facies, Northern Ghana, sahelian, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, water quality,
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Cite this Reference:
S.J. Cobbina, F.K. Nyame and S. Obiri, . Groundwater Quality in the Sahelian Region of Northern Ghana, West Africa. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (04): 482-491.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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