TITLE:
Hydrochemical Characterization of Groundwater in the Sub-Prefecture of Kokumbo (Ivory Coast)
AUTHORS:
Armel Kouadio Koblan, Affoué Bénédicte Koffi, Aminata Diomandé, Deh Serges Kouakou, Kan Jean Kouamé, Jean Patrice Jourda
KEYWORDS:
Groundwater, Physico-Chemical Parameter, Hydrochemical Facies, Kokumbo
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.11 No.6,
June
29,
2023
ABSTRACT: In the Kokumbo sub-prefecture, groundwater
extraction related to gold panning remains a major concern, not to mention the
deterioration of its quality. Among the work
carried out on water resources, no scientific interest has been shown in
groundwater to characterise it. The objective of this study is to contribute to
the knowledge of its physico-chemical quality. In situ measurements and physico-chemical analyses using an
inductively coupled plasma optical emission
spectrometer (ICP-OES) were carried out on five (5) human-powered pump (HPP) water
samples and six (6) well water samples collected during low and high water seasons. The results show that
the physico-chemical quality of the water, which is sometimes turbid, is
satisfactory in terms of the mineralization of the borehole and well water, and
the pH of the boreholes, while the temperatures of the two waters and the pH of
the wells do not comply with WHO standards. The levels of major ions are
recommended for consumption. The waters are classified as predominantly
bicarbonate-calcium and magnesium (73%) in the dry season and in the flood
season, with an equal split between bicarbonate-calcium and magnesium (45.5%)
and chloride-calcium and magnesium (45.5%). The elimination of materials
responsible for the turbidity of certain waters by managers or populations is
essential for drinking water use. The risk linked to this element means that
these turbid waters are not recommended for drinking water.