Irrigation and Its Impacts on the Water Resource of Lake Kankossa in Mauritania

The aim of this study is to assess the physico-chemical quality of water from Lake Kankossa in Mauritania, used for irrigation and agricultural re. Sampling campaigns were carried out during February and 2024. The sampling sites are: E1:Kankoussa, E2: Elhachai, E3:Elmaghtaa 1, E3:Elmaghtaa2. In this work, we studied the hydrochemistry of the waters of Lake Kankossa, in Mauritania. The aim of the study was to assess the physico-chemical quality of the lake's water for human consumption and irrigation. To this end, we carried out physico-chemical analyses to assess the risks of contamination on the lake's water quality. Samples were taken during the 2024 summer season at four stations located on the shores of Lake Kankossa. Physico-chemical parameters measured included: temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorides, nitrates, nitrites, ammonium, sulfates, total copper, iron, oxidizability, alkalinity and total alkalinity. These analyses were carried out using techniques such as volumetric analysis, spectroscopy and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analysis of the results, compared with WHO standards for drinking water, revealed a significant deterioration in water quality in Lake Kankossa. The results showed that the concentration of most physico-chemical parameters complied with WHO standards. However, all parameters studied comply with WHO criteria for drinking water, with the exception of certain parameters, such as turbidity (486.25 NTU), potassium (24.5 mg/L) and nitrite (0.4 mg/L), which do not meet WHO standards. Appropriate treatment is recommended to render these waters potable. The graphical representation of the results of the Kankossa lake water analyses on the Riverside and Wilcox diagram shows that Kankossa lake water is of good quality for irrigation.