Integrated Multivariate Statistical and GIS Techniques for Assessing Groundwater Quality in Tolon and Kumbungu Districts, Northern Ghana

The study employed a comprehensive approach combining traditional graphical techniques, advanced statistical analysis, and geospatial evaluation methods to analyze groundwater data across select areas of the Tolon-Kumbungu District in Ghana's northern region. Its primary aim was to ascertain the key factors that influence the composition of subsurface water and assess its quality for domestic and agricultural purposes. The study revealed silicate dissolution and the impact of anthropogenic activities, as major contributors to regional variations in groundwater chemistry. Moreover, through the utilization of Q-mode Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) alongside Stiff diagrams, distinct water types were delineated across the groundwater flow regime: Na-Mg-HCO3 in recharge areas transitioning to Na-HCO3, and eventually Na-Cl in discharge zones. Furthermore, findings from the Korjinski diagram suggested stable groundwater conditions primarily involving kaolinite, indicating limited constraints on groundwater flow. Utilizing a modified Water Quality Index approach tailored for the study region and employing an Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method for estimated WQIs, the study spatially classified groundwater quality as generally 'good' to 'excellent' for domestic purposes. Assessments based on Wilcox diagrams revealed that the majority of wells in the district are suitable for irrigation, yet some in discharge areas may pose concerns due to elevated salinities potentially impacting plant osmotic potentials.