Hydrogeochemical analysis of water quality dynamics under anthropic activities on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Tunisian Chemical Society and Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Abstract
Water quality management requires consideration of surface water and groundwater dynamics. This study utilizes hydrogeochemical
and isotopic techniques to understand anthropic influences on surface and groundwater resources in the Kikafu–
Weruweru–Karanga (KWK) watershed southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The KWK watershed had two distinct characteristics,
i.e., the upper region (above 1000 m.a.m.s.l) with surface water and few groundwater features and the lower
part (below 1000 m.a.m.s.l) characterized by most groundwater sources and rivers. Water sampling and analysis were done
between July and August 2019; multivariate statistical analysis aided the understanding of analytical findings. The results
revealed NaHCO3
enrichment and Mixed CaNaHCO3
water type. The groundwater chemistry is chiefly controlled by aquifer
lithology rather than anthropic activities. Stable isotopes show recharge from both regional and local rainfall as traced from
the shallow wells. The levels of anthropic pollution indicators such as nitrate, chloride, and sulfate in deep wells are generally
low in groundwater than in shallow wells. Anthropic activities such as irrigation, wastewater discharges and severe water
abstraction confirmed significant contaminant agents at the dynamic levels. Next to geogenic releases, anthropic pollution
as well is affecting groundwater quality in the aquifer. The current findings call for improved monitoring of the groundwater
sources to track any changes in quality since there is a potential evolution to an undesirable state for domestic uses.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Hydrogeochemistry, Stable isotopes, Irrigation, Water resources management, Kilimanjaro