TITLE:
Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Quality Assessment of Groundwater in the Lambussie-Karni District, Ghana
AUTHORS:
Asare Asante-Annor, Ebenezer Ansah, Priscilla Efua Baiden, Marion Appiah, Nancy Akolpoka Apuriyuure
KEYWORDS:
Hydrogeochemical Facies, Lambussie-Karni District, Physicochemical Data, Groundwater Quality, Potential Contamination Sources
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.14 No.7,
July
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Groundwater in the Lambussie-Karni District of northwestern Ghana was investigated to determine its hydrogeochemical characteristics, with emphasis on the processes controlling water chemistry and implications for quality and resource sustainability. Groundwater is the main source of domestic water supply in the Lambussie-Karni District of Ghana, yet its quality is influenced by both natural and human factors. This study assessed the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in the district using physicochemical data from 16 boreholes. Analytical methods included AquaChem software for graphical representations (Piper and Stiff), Microsoft Excel for Gibbs plot and IBM SPSS for multivariate statistical analyses, such as correlation, cluster, and regression. The results showed that the groundwater is fresh, with pH ranging from neutral to mildly alkaline, and TDS values below the WHO guideline, indicating low mineralisation. Major ions followed the order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and
HCO
3
−
> Cl− >
SO
4
2−
, revealing that the dominant hydrochemical facies is Ca-Mg-HCO3. Gibbs plots confirmed that water chemistry is primarily controlled by rock-water interaction, with minor contributions from precipitation and anthropogenic activities. Correlation and cluster analyses further highlighted the role of silicate mineral weathering and identified recharge zones characterised by fresh Ca-Mg-HCO3 water types. Groundwater in the Lambussie‑Karni District is undersaturated with respect to carbonate and evaporite minerals (aragonite, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, and halite), as indicated by consistently negative saturation indices. This undersaturation reflects ongoing mineral dissolution processes that contribute to the observed ionic composition, rather than oversaturation or secondary mineral precipitation. Regression analysis identified electrical conductivity as the strongest predictor of TDS, underscoring the role of dissolved ions in controlling water quality. Overall, the study concludes that groundwater chemistry in the district is dominantly shaped by geogenic processes, with localised human influence, and provides a scientific basis for sustainable water management in the area.