TITLE:
Hydrochemistry of Groundwater in the Rice Cultivation Area of Maga: Analysis of the Mineralization Process
AUTHORS:
Emmanuel Aguiza Abaï, Hugues Pahimi, Prosper Samba Koukouare, Guillaume Ewodo Mboudou, Auguste Ombolo
KEYWORDS:
Hydrochemistry, Mineralization, Groundwater, Maga
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.12 No.9,
September
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: The use of groundwater for drinking water supply to the population is increasingly practiced in the rice cultivation area of Maga. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the hydrochemical characteristics of this water due to a lack of quality control. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of mineralization processes in order to establish the hydrochemical profile of the water in the area. The methodological approach consisted of collecting fifteen water samples from wells and boreholes during six campaigns for physicochemical analysis, and studying them through methods of interpreting hydrochemical data. The analysis results show that these waters are moderately mineralized. The water facies are mainly of the bicarbonate sodium and potassium type, as well as the bicarbonate calcium and magnesium type. Calculation of saturation indices demonstrates that evaporite minerals show lower degrees of saturation than carbonate minerals, with gypsum, anhydrite, and halite being in a highly undersaturated state. The mineralization of groundwater originates from the dissolution of surrounding rocks on the one hand, and anthropogenic activities involving exchanges between alkalis (Na+ and K+) in the aquifer and alkaline earth (Ca2+ and Mg2+), resulting in the fixation of alkaline earth and the dissolution of alkalis.