Hydrochemistry of nutrients in groundwater under farmland in the Benue River Basin, North-Cameroon

Abstract In this study, we investigated the distribution and principal sources of macronutrients (N, P, K, S) in groundwater agro-pastorally dominated North Cameroon. Graphical methods multivariate statistics were used to understand impact land use regional geology on nutrient concentrations (K + , NO 3 ? SO 4 2? PO 3? ). Groundwater was acidic (median pH 6.8) more mineralized (EC range = 35–2500 µS/cm, median 376 µS/cm) than surface water 50–222 81 µS/cm). The concentration nutrients (in mg/L) order (41.3) > (7.7) K (5.2) (0.1) rather (3.3) (0.3) (0.2) water. Using hierarchical cluster analysis Schoeller diagram, identified three distinct quality groups. Group I, which contained 1 2 generally less characterised as Na HCO type found urban area such Garoua Lagdo. II, containing much higher with elevated nitrate. occurrence these groups is linked outcrops cretaceous terrestrial sediments basin. III, heavily Ca Mg type. controlled by outcrop crystalline Proterozoic basement. nitrate (41 demonstrates influence exerted anthropogenic activities. Management strategies are required for whole study limit further deterioration resources wake planned expansion agricultural productivity Region