TITLE:
Evaluation of Water Resources Quality in Sabodala Gold Mining Region and Its Surrounding Area (Senegal)
AUTHORS:
Mall Ibrahima, Diaw Moctar, Dieng Ndèye Maguette, Madioune Hélène Diakher, Ngom Papa Malick, Faye Serigne
KEYWORDS:
Geochemistry, Geostatistical, Crystalline Rock Aquifer, Pollution, Trace Elements, Sabodala, Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.7 No.3,
February
27,
2015
ABSTRACT: Geochemical
and Geostatistical tools were used to assess: 1) the chemical quality and,
geochemical processes in crystalline rock aquifers in Sabodala (Eastern Senegal)
and its surroundings and 2) the impact of mining activities on their quality. A
total of 26 water samples collected at boreholes, dug wells and stream, were
analyzed to determine major and trace elements concentration focused on
elements that represent more threats on human health. Boxplots define chemical
characteristics of water for each aquifer formation compared to surface waters.
Geostatistical analysis show two sources of water mineralization with regard to
major elements: a first natural source characterized by Ca-Mg-HCO3 water type from boreholes and unpolluted surface water and a second group
characterized by polluted water by nitrates with Na-NO3-Cl type
mainly observed in upper weathered aquifers. However, considering trace
element, geostatistical analysis showed three water groups: water with very low
trace element concentrations encountered in boreholes and unpolluted surface
waters, and waters with relatively high trace element concentrations such as Al
observed in areas affected by gold mining activities and finally, polluted
waters by Ni, Co, Mn and Cr observed at Sabodala. Results show that in eastern
Senegal well waters are vulnerable and often affected by pollution.