Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Quality in the Ouémé Delta (Southern-Benin) ()
Author(s)
Aoulatou Alassane Zakari1,2,3*,
Dadja Toyou Masamaéya Gnazou3,
Abdoukarim Alassane1,
Kodjo Apelete Raoul Kpegli1,
Ousmane Touré Boukari1,
Bio Guidah Chabi1,2,
Bénito Didier Koukpohounsi1,2,
Daouda Mama1
Affiliation(s)
1Laboratory of Applied Hydrology, National Water Institute, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin (LHA/INE/UAC), Cotonou, Bénin.
2International Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applications (ICMPA—UNESCO Chair), Cotonou, Bénin.
3Laboratory of Applied Hydrology and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo, (LHAE/FDS/UL), Lomé, Togo.
ABSTRACT
Groundwater resources are the main sources of water used to supply drinking water to the population of the Ouémé Delta via the Continental Terminal aquifer. Urbanization, population growth, and agricultural and industrial activities have resulted in a deterioration in the quality of these resources. To assess the quality of the delta’s groundwater and its suitability for human consumption and irrigation, a total of fourteen (14) physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in some forty existing water points between September 2020 and March 2021, using standard water analysis techniques. The values obtained were compared with the potability standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Benin and were subjected to statistical analysis (principal component analysis (PCA)). In addition, methods for determining the suitability of water for irrigation were used. The results showed that the waters are acidic to slightly neutral and influenced by ambient temperature. In addition, the waters are moderately mineralized, with conductivities (24 - 1205 μS/cm) in line with WHO standards. A comparison of the analytical results of the WHO (2017) and Benin (2001) standards indicates that the majority of the waters studied are of good quality for all the chemical parameters considered. Nevertheless, some samples show levels of nitrates (21%), potassium (14% to 16%), calcium (13%), ammonium (12%), nitrites (8%) and bicarbonates (10%) over their respective standards. The Wilcox and Riverside diagrams indicate that the majority of waters (90%) have excellent suitability for irrigation and no negative effect on soil fertilization.
Share and Cite:
Alassane Zakari, A., Gnazou, D.T.M., Alassane, A., Kpegli, K.A.R., Boukari, O.T., Guidah Chabi, B., Koukpohounsi, B.D. and Mama, D. (2024) Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Quality in the Ouémé Delta (Southern-Benin).
Journal of Environmental Protection,
15, 298-317. doi:
10.4236/jep.2024.153017.
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