TITLE:
Groundwater Potential Estimation and Aquifers Vulnerability in the Tongo-Bassa Watershed (Douala Sedimentary Basin, Cameroon)
AUTHORS:
Naëlle Kelly Gamene, Adoua Njueya Kopa, Flavie Laura Zangmene, Paulin Sainclair Kouassy Kaledje, Rodrigue Tetang Kouo, Rodrigue Talla Toteu, David Guimolaire Nkouathio, Lucas Kengni
KEYWORDS:
Groundwater Management, Piezometry, Vertical Electrical Sounding, Geohydraulic Parameters, Aquifer Vulnerability Index
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
11,
2025
ABSTRACT: The present study was carried out in Douala megacity of Cameroon to highlight suitable aquifer that could be exploited by population or municipality authorities, to promote access to safe potable water and avoid or reduce water borne deseases. Specifically, this study aimed to assess structure of Quaternary-Mio-Pliocene aquifer and its potentiality and vulnerability distribution, within Tongo-Bassa watershed through piezometry and geoelectrical survey. Then, 29 wells were assessed by piezometric study both in wet and rainy season, while thirty-two (32) vertical electrical sounding were performed through geohydraulic parameters (Permeability, Porosity, Transmissivity, Longitudinal Conductance and Hydraulic resistance). Piezometric survey in shallow aquifer globally show a convergent flow (from South East to North West direction) to defined outlet and this masks heterogeneities of flowing from wet to dry season. Vertical electrical soundings inversion revealed 10 (HK, KH, HA, HKH, H, K, AK, QH, KQ, HKQ) curves types which confirm lithological heterogeneities. Borehole lithologs correlated to geoelectric section allow distinguishes unconfined and semi-confined/confined aquifers exploited by population. Unconfined aquifer with depth less than 28 m, fairly adapted for local level with limited consumption for private water supply (0.02 2/day) show that 87.87% of the area are more vulnerable (−0.58 2/day) adapted for groundwater supply that municipality authorities can exploit to manage groundwater development in Douala Sedimentary Basin, show that only 39.39% of the area are vulnerable (0.29