Integrated geophysical exploration, water quality mapping and salinization of the coastal aquifers in Bonaberi, Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Water scarcity in developing counties in coastal areas is one of the difficulties that the local communities are facing despite the continuous effort made by the international communities to drive the local government to meet the sustainable development goal. To diffuse such difficulties, cost-effective geophysical techniques coupled with water quality assessment are being used as exploration tools. The study aims to identify groundwater potential zones and assess their quality for immediate use and consumption. The water quality index (WQI) map was produced for domestic and agricultural usage. The WQI was generally poor for domestic usage and needs treatment before consumption. The groundwater is adequate for agricultural use. The aquifer depth and thickness were identified and mapped. For shallow aquifers, a well can be drilled at a depth range of 35–40 m, and for deep aquifers at a depth range of 90–120 m, they were observed to have medium to high permeability. Anthropogenic activities are the main cause of the salinization observed in some of the shallow aquifers. An integrated approach enables to determination of the groundwater potential and quality within a wetland community and industrial area.