Water quality enhancement in Kumbo Municipality- North West region of Cameroon

Abstract

After research in Kumbo municipality in the North West Region of Cameroon on water quality enhancement, we were enriched with findings. Water samples were obtained from alternative sources including; Boreholes (BH), Open wells (OW), Streams (ST), Rivers (RW) and a water catchment (YEH). Field in-situ parameters were obtained and physico-chemical and laboratory analysis were done. Agricultural activities were identified within the vicinity of some water sources. A petrographic study of the rock samples was also done. Basalts and trachyte were the main rocks often accompanied by other volcanic rocks; ignimbrites, phonolites, rhyolites, isolated scoria and granites as the bedrock. The results obtained and discussion revealed Ca2+ as the dominant cation in the water samples with a decreasing order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ and K+. HCO3- was the dominant anion followed by SO42-, NO3-, and Cl- having very negligible concentrations in the water sources. The main water type was calcium bicarbonated. The parameters like; pH, hardness, Permeability Index, Percent sodium, Total Dissolved Solids, Residual Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Absorption Ratio, all fell within suitable ranges recommended for their particular uses on comparison with stipulated standard norms such as WHO, Swiss, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and the European Union (EU). The weathering of silicate minerals largely controlled the concentration of major ions in the water sources. The quality of these water sources are influenced by the geologic and anthropogenic activities which had incidences on drinking, domestic and agricultural uses. Consequently, adequate management strategies must be adopted to sustainably protect this indispensable resource.