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Hydrogeochemical characteristics and spatial distribution of groundwater quality in Arusha well fields, Northern Tanzania

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dc.creator Chacha, Nyamboge
dc.creator Njau, Karoli N.
dc.creator Lugomela, George V.
dc.creator Muzuka, Alfred N. N.
dc.date 2019-07-22T11:10:01Z
dc.date 2019-07-22T11:10:01Z
dc.date 2018-07-09
dc.date.accessioned 2022-10-25T09:24:48Z
dc.date.available 2022-10-25T09:24:48Z
dc.identifier https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-018-0760-4
dc.identifier https://dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz/handle/20.500.12479/364
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/95786
dc.description Research Article published by Springer
dc.description Arusha aquifers have been exploited intensively serving as the main source of domestic water supply in the city. But the quality of groundwater is not clearly documented for future planning and management. Hydrogeochemical assessment was carried out to establish groundwater quality and its spatial distribution with the aid of geostatistical techniques. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for major cations and anions using conventional methods of water analysis. Well lithology and geological map were considered for hydrogeological interpretation of the area. The results of piper diagram revealed Na–K–HCO3 water type with sodium and bicarbonate ions dominating in all samples. High fluoride concentrations and general groundwater chemistry are mainly controlled by aquifer lithology than anthropogenic activities. The levels of anthropogenic pollution indicators such as nitrate, chloride and sulfate in deep wells are generally low and most likely coming from natural sources. The geological sections indicate two potential aquifers (volcanic sediment and weathered/ fractured formation) both yield water containing significant concentration of fluoride. Fluoride concentrations were higher than WHO guidelines (1.5 mg/l) and Tanzanian standards (4.0 mg/l) by 82 and 36% of the analyzed groundwater samples, respectively. The southern part of the study area yields groundwater of better quality for human consumption than northern zones which is at high elevation on the foot of Mt. Meru. With exception of fluoride, the quality of groundwater in the study area is generally suitable for drinking purpose and other socioeconomic uses.
dc.format application/pdf
dc.language en_US
dc.publisher Springer
dc.subject Groundwater quality
dc.subject Hydrogeochemical
dc.title Hydrogeochemical characteristics and spatial distribution of groundwater quality in Arusha well fields, Northern Tanzania
dc.type Article


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