Water Quality Assessment of Selected Wells in the Farmer-led Irrigation System in Anloga District, Volta Region, Ghana
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Increased groundwater extraction for irrigation is leading to the intrusion of saline seawater into many wells in some communities in Anloga District, Volta Region, Ghana, with resultant adverse effects on crop productivity. This study investigated the water quality of selected wells in four communities of the district for their suitability for irrigation. Water samples were collected from 10 representative wells, purposively selected out of 60, to determine the pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved salt by means of a pH/EC/TDS/Temperature portable meter, and the concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphates, chlorides, bicarbonate and nitrate, using standard chemical laboratory procedures. The geochemical characterization of the sampled water sources was carried out using the Piper trilinear diagram, and revealed the dominance of Na-Cl facies of the groundwater in Tegbi, Whuti and Anyanui, suggesting seawater encroachment connected with groundwater abstraction. The water samples from wells in Woe indicated the Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4 mixed type and are considered suitable for irrigation. About 50% of the sampled wells could be classified under the high salinity-low sodium hazard (C3-S1), 20% are under very high salinity-medium sodium hazard (C4-S2), another 20% under very high salinity-high sodium hazard (C4-S3) and 10% under medium salinity-low sodium (C2-S1) classes. These wells are prone to salinity, and farmers’ discretion is recommended through the adoption of conditional use of the irrigation water such as growing of salt-tolerant crops.
Downloads
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
References
Mahed, G. (2023). Africa’s vast underground water resources are under pressure from climate change - how to manage them. The Conversation newsletter, September 3, 2023. https://theconversation.com/africas-vast-underground-water-resources-are-under-pressure-from-climate-change-how-to-manage-them-209609
Adelana, S. M. & Macdonald, A. M. (2008). Groundwater research issues in Africa. CRC Press.Akoto, O., Teku, J. A., & Gasinu, D. (2019). Chemical characteristics and health hazards of heavy metals in shallow groundwater: case study Anloga community, Volta Region, Ghana. Applied Water Science. 9(36): 1-9. https://doi.10.1007/s13201-019-0914-z
IWMI (2010). Agricultural Water Management National Situation Analysis Brief. AgWater Solutions Project (January), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka.
MacDonald, A. M., Bonsor, H. C., Dochartaigh, B. É. & Taylor, R. G. (2012). Quantitative maps of groundwater resources in Africa. Environmental Research Letters, 7(2), 024009.
Sadat-Noori, S. M., Ebrahimi, K. & Liaghat, A. M. (2014). Groundwater quality assessment using the Water Quality Index and GIS in Saveh-Nobaran aquifer, Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 71(9), 3827-3843. https://doi.10.1007/s12665-013-2770-8
Abed, M. F., Zarraq, G. A. & Ahmed, S. H. (2021). Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality and its Suitability for Irrigation and Domestic Purposes in Rural Areas, North of Baiji City-Iraq. Iraqi Journal of Science. 62(7): 2296-2306. https://doi:10.24996/ijs.2021.62.7.18
Mustafa, S., Slater, S. & Barnett, S. (2012). Preliminary investigation of seawater intrusion into a freshwater coastal aquifer – Lower South East. Technical Report, Science, Monitoring and Information Division, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), Government of South Australia, 2012/01.
Werner, A.D., Bakker, M., Post, V.E.A., Vandenbohede, A., Lu, C., Ashtiani, B.A., Simmons, C.T. & Barry, D.A. (2013). Seawater intrusion processes, investigation and management: recent advances and future challenges. Advances in Water Resource, 51(3): 3-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2012.03.004
Lenntech (2024). Seawater intrusions in groundwater. Retrieved July 16, 2024 from https://www.lenntech.com/groundwater/seawater-intrusions.htm
Edwards B.D. and Evans K.R. (2002). Saltwater intrusion in Los Angeles Area coastal aquifers - the marine connection. United States Geological Survey (USGS) Factsheet 030-02, 2002. Retrieved June 22, 2024 from https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2002/fs030-02/fs030-02.pdf
Barlow, P.M. & Reichard, E.G. (2010). Saltwater intrusion in coastal regions of North America. Hydrogeol J. 18: 247–260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-009-0514-3
USGS (2024). Seawater intrusion – Sustainable Groundwater Management (SGMA). California Water Science Centre, United States Geological Survey (USGS). Retrieved July 21, 2024 from https://ca.water.usgs.gov/sustainable-groundwater-management/seawater-intrusion-california.html
NRC, 2011. Saltwater Intrusion and Climate Change: A primer for local and provincial decision-makers. Natural Resources Canada (NRC). Retrieved July 29, 2024 from https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/saltwater_intrusion_and_climate_change.pdf
Asare, R., Sakyi, P. A., Fynn, O. F., & Osiakwan, G. M. (2016). Assessment of Groundwater Quality and its Suitability for Domestic and Agricultural Purposes in parts of the Central Region, Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 24(2), 67-89.
Oppong Danso, E., Abenney-Mickson, S., Sabi, E. B., Plauborg, F., Abekoe, M., Kugblenu, Y. O., & Andersen, M. N. (2015). Effect of different fertilization and irrigation methods on nitrogen uptake, intercepted radiation and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentum L.) grown in the Keta Sand Spit of Southeast Ghana. Agricultural Water Management, 147, 34-42. doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2014.07.029
Awadzi, T. W., Ahiabor, E., & Breuning-Madsen, H. (2008). The Soil-Land use System in a Sand Spit Area in the Semi-Arid Coastal Savanna Region of Ghana – Development, Sustainability and Threats. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 13, 181-194.
Asomaning, S. K., Abekoe, M., Dowuona, G., Borggaard, O., Kristensen, J., & Breuning-Madsen, H. (2015). Sustainable long-term intensive application of manure to sandy soils without phosphorus leaching: a case study from Ghana. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant Science. doi:10.1080/09064710.2015.1058413
Gyau-Boakye P. & Dapaa-Siakwan S. (2000). Groundwater as sources of rural water supply in Ghana. J Appl Sci Technol. 5(1 & 2): 77–86
Asomaning, S. K., Abekoe, M. K., & Dowuona, G. N. (2018). Phosphorus sorption capacity in relation to soil properties in profiles of sandy soils of the Keta sandspit in Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 26(1), 49-60.
Akoto, O.; Teku, J.A. & Gasinu, D. (2019). Chemical characteristics and health hazards of heavy metals in shallow groundwater: case study Anloga community, Volta Region, Ghana. Applied Water Science. 9: 36, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-0914-z
Igbadun, H.E., Cofie, O.O. & Kpapko-Sraha, M.A. (2021). Salinity Status of Open and Shallow Tube Wells in Farmer-Led Irrigation System in Anloga District of Ghana. International Water Management Institute Technical Report submitted to Ghana Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (GASIP). August 2021.
APHA (1985). Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 15th edn. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, USA.
Kadyampakeni, D., Appoh, R., Barron, J., & Boakye-Acheampong, E. (2018). Analysis of water quality of selected irrigation water sources in Northern Ghana. Water Science & Technology Water Supply, 18(4), 1308-1317. doi:10.2166/ws.2017.195
Ahluwalia V.K. (2023). Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38355-7_35
Tucker B.B. & Kurtz L.T. (1961). Calcium and magnesium determinations by EDTA titrations. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 25(1): 27-29. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1961.03615995002500010016x
SI Analytics (2018). Determination of Calcium and Magnesium in Water. SI Analytics-Application report Titration. Retrieved August 1, 2024 from
APHA, AWWA & WEF (2012). Standard methods for examination of water and wastewater, 22nd ed. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, USA.
Todd D.K. (1980). Groundwater hydrology, 2nd ed. Wiley, New York, 535 pp.
Ayers, R.S. & Westcot, D.W. (1985). Water quality for agriculture. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Rev. 1, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Rome.
Richards, L. A. (1954). Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. Washington DC. 160p: USDA Agricultural Handbook No 60., US Department of Agriculture.
Raghunath, H. M. (1987). Groundwater (2nd Ed.). Wiley Eastern, New Delhi, India, 344-369.
Kelley, W.P. (1963). Use of saline irrigation water. Soil Science. 95(6): 385–391.
Yousefi, M., Najafi Saleh, H., Mohammad, A.A., Mahvi, A.H., Ghadrpoori, M. H., & Suleimani, H. (2017). Data on water quality index for the groundwater in rural area Neyshabur County, Razavi province, Iran, Data Brief. 15: 901–907
Domenico, P.A. & Schwartz, F.W. (1990). Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology; Wiley: New York, NY, USA, 1990; 824
USSL Staff. (1954). Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. Washington DC, USA: USDA Handbook No 60.
Wilcox, L. V. (1955). Classification and Use of Irrigation Waters. Washington D.C. USA: US Department of Agriculture.
Piper, A.M. (1944). A Graphical Procedure in the Geochemical Interpretation of Water Analysis. US Geological Survey Groundwater, Note 12.
Schiavon, M. & Moore, K.K. (2021). How to properly read irrigation water analysis for turf and landscape: ENH1352/EP616. 12/2021. https://10.32473/edis.ep616.2021
Norvivor, F. A., Gordon, C., & Appeaning-Addo, K. (2017). Physico-Chemical Quality of Groundwater in Keta South, Ghana. Journal of Health and Environmental Research, 3(3), 51-56. doi:10.11648/j.jher.20170303.12
Fipps, G. (2003). Irrigation water quality standards and salinity management strategies. Texas FARMER Collection.
Salifu, M., Yidana, S. M., Anim-Gyampo, M., Appenteng, M., Saka, D., Aidoo, F., . . . Sarfo, M. (2017). Hydrogeochemical and isotopic studies of groundwater in the meddle voltarian aquifers of the Gushegu district of the Northern Region. Appl Water Sci, 7, 1117-1129.
Jadhao, S. M., Kadu, P. R., Pondkule, R. G., & Mali, D. V. (2016). Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality of Purna Valley of Vidarbha. Journal of Soils and Crops, 26(2), 375-382.
Adams, S., Issaka, R. N., Quansah, G. W., Amfo-Otu, R., & Bagna, S. (2014). Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality of Tono Dam in Navrongo, Ghana. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES), 4(3), 187-195.
Arshad, M., & Shakoor, A. (2017). Irrigation Water Quality. Water Int, 12(1-2), 145-160.
Islam, M. S., & Shamsad, S.Z. (2009). Assessment Of Irrigation Water Quality Of Bogra District In Bangladesh.
Zaman, M., Shahid, S.A., & Heng, L. (2018). Irrigation Water Quality. In Guideline for Salinity Assessment, Mitigation and Adaptation Using Nuclear and Related Techniques (pp. 113-131). Springer, Cham https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96190-3_5
Nag, S. K., & Das, S. (2014). Quality Assessment of Groundwater with Special Emphasis on Irrigation and Domestic Suitability in Suri I & II Blocks, Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. American Journal of Water Resources, 2(4), 81-98. https://doi:10.12691/ajwr-2-4-2
Jørgensen, N. O., & Banoeng-Yakubo, B. K. (2001). Environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, and 87Sr/86Sr) as a tool in groundwater investigations in the Keta Basin, Ghana. Hydrogeology Journal, 9, 190–201. https://doi.10.1007/s100400000122
Yidana, S. M., Banoeng-Yakubo, B., & Akabzaa, T. M. (2010). Analysis of groundwater quality using multivariate and spatial analyses in the Keta basin, Ghana. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 58: 220–234. doi:10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2010.03.003
Arabi, A. S., Funtua, I. I., Dewu, B. B., Garba, M. L., Okoh, S., Kwaya, M. Y., & Bolori, M. T. (2013). Assessment of Calcium and Magnesium Concentrations in Groundwater as Supplements for Sleep Related Ailments. Journal of Applied Environmental and Biological Sciences, 3(7), 29-35.
Yadav, B.K. & Thaman, S. (2016). Water quality and potassium and sulphur contribution through groundwater irrigation in Bathinda district of Punjab. Agricultural Research Journal. 58:1014-1019. https://doi.10.5958/2395-146X 2021.00143.5
Kortatsi, B. K., Young, E., & Mensah-Bonsu, A. (2005). Potential Impact of Large Scale Abstraction on the Quality of Shallow Groundwater for Irrigation in the Keta Strip, Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 8(1): https://doi.org/10.4314/wajae.v8i1.45780
Zondo, S. (2021). Desalination strategies for irrigated agricultuer. Research and Technology Bulletin, 2020/21-06. Agriculture and Rural Development, Republic of South Africa.
A & L Canada Laboratories, Inc. (2007). Interpreting irrigation water analysis II. Plant nutrition and water quality. Factsheet No. 701.
Lawn Care Academy, 2008. Calcium chloride uses – the myths and facts. https://www.lawn-care academy.com/calcium-chloride-uses.html