TITLE:
Surface Water Quality Assessment in the Southeastern Part of the Noun Catchment Area in Cameroon (Central Africa)
AUTHORS:
Monique Peghetmo Njoya Mot, Adoua Njueya Kopa, Zakari Mfonka, Paulin Sainclair Kouassy Kalédjé, Lauric Tontsa, Rodrigue Talla Toteu, Amidou Kpoumié, Daouda Nsangou, Lucas Kengni
KEYWORDS:
Water Quality, Drinking Purpose, WQI, Spatial Distribution, Noun Catchment Area (NCA)
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.14 No.2,
February
25,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study aims to assess water quality and its suitability in terms of consumption and irrigation in the Noun Catchment Area (NCA) in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. To achieve this objective, 19 water samples were collected along the NCA. The measurement of physicochemical parameters, such as pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, salinity, suspended solids, along with eleven major elements (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+,
NH
4
+
, Cl−,
NO
3
−
,
HCO
3
−
,
SO
4
2−
,
PO
4
3−
, and F−) was also analyzed using conventional hydrochemical methods, Multivariate Statistical Analysis, and a geostatistical approach for spatialization of WQI,
HCO
3
−
, EC, Salinity,
PO
4
−
. The water quality index (WQI) illustrates three types of water: water of excellent quality, poor water quality, and water unsuitable for drinking purposes. Most of the samples from the NCA fall within the permissible limit of WHO (6.50 - 8.50) and ANOR (6.5 - 9) except for 3 samples from Koup in Baigom, Bameka, and Noun in Dioma, which are slightly above the standard limit for safe drinking water. The spatial distribution of WQI,
HCO
3
−
, EC, Salinity, and
PO
4
2+
was performed. The northern and central parts of the study area exhibit high EC values. Fresh water availability was indicated by higher EC values in the north and central part of the study area and lower values in the south and their surroundings. Salt is present everywhere in that zone since the conductivity of water depends on the amount of salt in the area. The
PO
4
−
is present in the northern part of the study area, whereas the
HCO
3
−
is mainly found in the center of the study area. The southwestern and a small portion of the southeast section of the research area are heavily polluted by anthropogenic waste. The spatial distribution map of WQI shows the highest concentration in the central part of the study area. This suggests that the water in this part needs to be seriously treated before any use in conformity with the standards prescribed by the WHO and ANOR.