Water Quality Assessment in the Bamoun Plateau, Western-Cameroon: Hydrogeochemical Modelling and Multivariate Statistical Analysis Approach

This study focuses on the geochemical and bacteriological investigation of surface ground water in Bamoun plateau (Western-Cameroon). During period from September 2013 to August 2014, 71 samples were collected two springs, one borehole, four wells Nchi stream for analysis major elements. In order obtain characteristics various species bacteria, 7 selected. The analytical method adopted this is conventional hydrochemical technic multivariate statistical analysis, coupled with hydrogeochemical modelling. results revealed that, zone under are acidic basic, very weakly mineralized. Four types identified: 1) CaMg-HCO3; 2) CaMg-Cl-SO4; 3) NaCl-SO4 4) NaK-HCO3. elements all listed World Health Organization guidelines drinking quality, except nitrates which was found at a concentration > 50 mg /l NO-3 borehole F401. As hydrobiological aspect, entire sample contained spring S301 well P401. According modelling, Gibbs model tests, quality Foumban locality influenced by important factors: natural factors characterized water-rock interaction, evapotranspiration/crystallization, anthropogenic such as: uncontrolled discharges liquid solid effluents kinds without any prior treatment within strong urbanization accompanied lack sanitation insufficient care.