Abstract
Multivariate statistical technique and hydrogeochemical approach were employed for groundwater assessment within the Lower Pra Basin. The main objective was to delineate the main processes that are responsible for the water chemistry and pollution of groundwater within the basin. Fifty-four (54) (No) boreholes were sampled in January 2012 for quality assessment. PCA using Varimax with Kaiser Normalization method of extraction for both rotated space and component matrix have been applied to the data. Results show that Spearman’s correlation matrix of major ions revealed expected process-based relationships derived mainly from the geochemical processes, such as ion-exchange and silicate/aluminosilicate weathering within the aquifer. Three main principal components influence the water chemistry and pollution of groundwater within the basin. The three principal components have accounted for approximately 79% of the total variance in the hydrochemical data. Component 1 delineates the main natural processes (water–soil–rock interactions) through which groundwater within the basin acquires its chemical characteristics, Component 2 delineates the incongruent dissolution of silicate/aluminosilicates, while Component 3 delineates the prevalence of pollution principally from agricultural input as well as trace metal mobilization in groundwater within the basin. The loadings and score plots of the first two PCs show grouping pattern which indicates the strength of the mutual relation among the hydrochemical variables. In terms of proper management and development of groundwater within the basin, communities, where intense agriculture is taking place, should be monitored and protected from agricultural activities. especially where inorganic fertilizers are used by creating buffer zones. Monitoring of the water quality especially the water pH is recommended to ensure the acid neutralizing potential of groundwater within the basin thereby, curtailing further trace metal mobilization processes in groundwater within the basin.
Highlights
Groundwater is a fundamental natural resource for the provision of drinking water, and plays a critical role in the quest for sustainable human life, as it is estimated that approximately, 30% of the world’s freshwater is stocked as groundwater with about 97% of all freshwater being potentially available for human use (Morris et al 2003)
The three principal components have accounted for approximately 79% of the total variance in the hydrochemical data
Component 1 delineates the main natural processes through which groundwater within the basin acquires its chemical characteristics, Component 2 delineates the incongruent dissolution of silicate/aluminosilicates, while Component 3 delineates the prevalence of pollution principally from agricultural input as well as trace metal mobilization in groundwater within the basin
Summary
Groundwater is a fundamental natural resource for the provision of drinking water, and plays a critical role in the quest for sustainable human life, as it is estimated that approximately, 30% of the world’s freshwater is stocked as groundwater with about 97% of all freshwater being potentially available for human use (Morris et al 2003). Appl Water Sci (2017) 7:1131–1150 scattered and remote communities (Duah 2007) It is paramount to ensure the management and development of groundwater within the rural communities to ensure sustainability. Earlier studies on the categorization of groundwater facies and chemical evolutionary history employed graphical presentations of major-ion composition of groundwater (Piper 1944; Stiff 1951; Schoeller 1965; Hem 1989). These schemes were useful in visually describing differences in major-ion chemistry of groundwater and categorizing water compositions into identifiable groups which are usually of similar genetic history (Freeze and Cherry 1979)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
