Abstract:
Groundwater serves as the primary source of water for domestic and other purposes
(agriculture) for the surrounding communities of Anfoega in the North Dayi District of the
Volta Region of Ghana. In order to assess the quality of groundwater in these communities,
30 samples were collected and analyzed to determine the water quality index (WQI), assess
hydrochemical processes affecting the groundwater chemistry, potential health risk and
microbial parameters. In the study, descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, WQI,
irrigational indices, Piper trilinear diagram, major ion ratio and health risk assessment were
methods employed to assess the groundwater quality. Water quality parameters such as EC,
TH, Mg2+, NO3
-, NO2
-, Cl-, SO4
2-, F-, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn for all samples were
within GSA, WHO and BIS standards except pH, TDS, TA, Na+, K+, Ca2+, HCO3
-, salinity,
Hg and Cd. The WQI revealed that, 80% of the water samples fell within the “Good”
category and 20% within the “Excellent” category hence, the groundwater is generally good
for drinking. The results from SAR, %Na, PI, MH, KR, and RSBC also disclosed that the
groundwater is suitable for irrigation (agriculture). The hydrochemical study revealed the
groundwater to be slightly acidic to neutral in nature with predominated Ca-HCO3
- water
type (80%) and geogenic processes influencing the groundwater chemistry in the study area.
The health risk assessment further indicated that both children and adults are prone to Cd
and Cr carcinogenic health risk effects with children being more vulnerable. Results from
bacteriological parameters suggested some level of uncleanliness and possible feacal
contamination in the groundwater.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Chemistry Education,
Faculty of Science Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Chemistry Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba
