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AUTHOR(S): Azise Helen Ayimele, Mabel Nechia Wantim, Nchini Livinus, Bijingsi Melisa, Akenji Victorine, Fantong Wilson Y., Ayonghe Samuel N.
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ABSTRACT The increasing dependence on groundwater in coastal urban settings such as Limbe, Cameroon, has raised concerns about seawater intrusion and its impact on water quality. This study investigates the hydro-chemical characteristics of groundwater at New Age found in an industrial estate in the Limbe II Municipality. This estate is located along the Atlantic coast where major industrial activities like the lone oil refinery in Cameroon is found. Twenty-five water samples were collected from November 2020 to May 2021 and assessed for their suitability for industrial use. Multifunctional pocket probes were used for in-situ measurements of temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids. Major ions were analyzed using ion chromatography (Metrohm 761 Compact IC), after passing samples through a 0.2 μm cellulose filter. Physicochemical parameters, including EC, TDS, and chloride (Cl⁻) increased towards the coast, indicating progressive salinization. Ionic ratios: Na⁺/Cl⁻, Cl⁻/HCO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻/Cl⁻, Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺, Piper plots, and correlation matrices were employed to decipher the origin and extent of saline water mixing. Na–Cl facies, low Na⁺/Cl⁻ (<0.86), and decreased SO₄²⁻/Cl⁻ ratios in coastal wells pointed to incipient seawater intrusion, with well W6 showing the highest signs of impact. However, overall chloride concentrations remained below the 200 mg/L threshold indicative of intrusion onset. The correlation matrix revealed strong positive relationships among EC, TDS, major cations, and Cl⁻, consistent with saline water sources. Total hardness varied widely (5–570 mg/L), with some samples (W6), producing very hard water that can affect industrial operations through corrosion or scaling. The findings confirm early-stage seawater intrusion in the shallow aquifers of Limbe, exacerbated by high groundwater abstraction, low elevation, and proximity to the ocean. A proactive groundwater management plan including pumping control and pretreatment of industrial water is recommended to preserve water quality and infrastructure integrity. |
KEYWORDS Seawater Intrusion, Groundwater Quality, Hydro-chemical Analysis, Limbe Coastal Aquifers, Industrial Water Suitability |
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Cite this paper Azise Helen Ayimele, Mabel Nechia Wantim, Nchini Livinus, Bijingsi Melisa, Akenji Victorine, Fantong Wilson Y., Ayonghe Samuel N.. (2025) Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Seawater Intrusion in the Coastal Aquifers of Limbe, Cameroon: Implications for Industrial Use. International Journal of Environmental Science, 10, 140-155 |
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