NATURAL GEOCHEMICAL BACKGROUND LEVEL OF GROUNDWATER IN THE MAMBANG, MORGORDOM AND KODJELEO FAR NORTH REGION OF CAMEROON

Abstract

Water is an essential natural resource for sustainable development due to its importance. Access to this resource and adequate sanitation is a daily struggle in developing countries it is therefore necessary to know its state and ameliorate its quality. This study is a contribution to a better qualitative understanding of groundwater in the Far North, particularly in the localities of Mambang, Kodjeleo and Mogordom. The methodological approach consisted of field investigations, measurements of physico-chemical parameters in situ and laboratory work. The processed data was analyzed using statistical methods, classical and numerical methods based on the determination of the water quality index and the natural background level.The results obtained showed that the waters of the study area tended towards neutrality (6.98 ≤ pH ≤ 7.34), with average to excellent mineralization (571≤ EC ≤1038). Three main facies types were identified with the water type dominating the study area Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphate (66.67%). This multiplicity of facies suggests that there are several factors that control water quality in these localities. The water quality index shows that the waters are of poor quality (66.67%) and the values of the geochemical natural background level are: Ammonium ions 0.16mg/l; Chlorine 46.67mg/l; Cadmium 0.00038 mg/l; Lead 0.00065mg./l and Fluoride 0.27mg/l respectively. Although the number of samples is limited, this study provides the elements for better local water management and regulation based on the values of the natural background level and threshold in this part of the Far North of Cameroon.