Abstract
Hydrogeochemical processes influencing groundwater quality in the Black Volta Basin of Ghana have been studied. Groundwater samples were collected from 93 water points for physico-chemical analysis using standard methods. Major cation concentration was, generally, in the order of Ca<sup>2+</sup>> Na<sup>+</sup>>Mg<sup>2+</sup>>K<sup>+</sup> while major anion concentration followed the order HCO<sub>3</sub>->Cl->SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup>. Mineral weathering (rock dissolution) and ion exchange were the controlling factors of groundwater composition. Stability diagrams show groundwater to be largely in equilibrium with Montmorillonite and Kaolinite and are quite reminiscent of climatic conditions pertaining to the geographical region of the basin. Ca-Mg-HCO<sub>3</sub> is the main groundwater type in the basin. Minor water types are Na-HCO<sub>3</sub> and Ca-Mg-SO<sub>4</sub>. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), indicates that, HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> Ca<sup>2+</sup>, Mg<sup>2+</sup>, Na<sup>+</sup> and F-contribute mainly to TDS and originate from the same-rock weathering.
Highlights
Groundwater continues to be the major source of potable water supply especially in rural Ghana
Without a corresponding increase in chloride concentration can be explained by ion exchange process where Ca2+ and Mg2+ are removed from solution and being replaced by Na+ ions
A strong positive correlation (r = 0.73) for total cation against bicarbonate alkalinity and against total alkalinity indicate mineral weathering as a possible major process contributing to ionic concentrations of the groundwater in the Black Volta basin of Ghana
Summary
Groundwater continues to be the major source of potable water supply especially in rural Ghana. Dug wells dry out in long spells of adverse or extreme dry weather These results in water scarcity and its accompanying waterborne diseases dracunculiasis or guinea worm ( eradicated), typhoid and schistomiasis (bilharzia). To manage the groundwater development in a sustainable manner, there is the need for the assessment The quality of this resource is influenced by many factors, including chemistry of the recharging water, the underlying geology, the vegetation and anthropogenic agents. The main objective of the paper, is the study of the hydrogeochemical processes influencing groundwater quality in the Black Volta Basin of Ghana. Groundwater samples were collected after pumping the well for approximately 7 min in order to purge the borehole of stagnant water (i.e., after temperature, pH and conductivity readings had stabilized).
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