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Quantifying nitrate pollution sources and natural background in an equatorial context: a case of the Densu Basin, Ghana.

Authors :
Afrifa, George Yamoah
Chegbeleh, Larry Pax
Sakyi, Patrick Asamoah
Yidana, Sandow Mark
Loh, Yvonne Akosua Sena
Ansah-Narh, Theophilus
Manu, Evans
Source :
Hydrological Sciences Journal/Journal des Sciences Hydrologiques. Oct2022, Vol. 67 Issue 13, p1941-1953. 13p.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

The study assesses the extent of nitrate pollution in the Densu Basin, because of its predominance in agriculture and urbanized vicinities, by employing robust techniques to estimate both the natural background and human-induced concentrations. Statistical methods used are the pre-selection method, graphical approach (probability plot), non-parametric approach (kernel density estimation), and parametric approach (Gaussian mixture model). The study shows that the Gaussian mixture model is robust enough in determining the spectral distribution and clustering of the NO3-N concentration in the basin. It estimated the natural background and human-induced concentration at 1.7 ± 1.3 and 9.8 ± 5.6 mg/L, respectively. The results show that the natural background concentration in the basin is more dominant and, hence, conducive for drinking. We found a 26% contribution from anthropogenic sources that had leaked into the natural groundwaters of the Basin. The data suggest multiple sources of NO3-N concentration in the groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02626667
Volume :
67
Issue :
13
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Hydrological Sciences Journal/Journal des Sciences Hydrologiques
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
159983955
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2022.2114357