Assessment of groundwater quality and potential health risks in Anfoega of the North Dayi Dstrict.

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.