Geological Society of America

T30 Coastal Hydrogeology in An Age of Rising Seas (Posters)

Sunday, 22 September 2019
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Hall AB, North Building

INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF TIDAL FLUCTUATIONS ON SHALLOW GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS IN A COASTAL NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE WOURI ESTUARY, CAMEROON

Paper number: T30-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Diana Fregoso-Sanchez Presenting Author
California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA
Eliot Atekwana
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Hendratta Ali
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Kalyn Compton
Fort Hays University, Hays, KS
Ngameni Youaleu Germaine Corine
University of Yaounde I, Yaounde
Njilah Charles
University of Yaounde I, Yaounde
Goabaone Ramatlapeng
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Kahnyuy Ella
University of Buea, Buea
Kahnyuy Ella
University of Douala, Douala
Victorine A. Bikuu
University of Buea, Buea
Nicholas T. Counts
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Isaac Knofor Njilah
University of Yaounde I, Yaounde

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between surface and groundwater in the Youpwe neighborhood in the Wouri estuary. The objectives are to (1) determine tidal variations at select locations and to (2) compare and describe the physico-chemical characteristics of the surface and groundwater. We deployed data loggers at three locations: a mangrove, open water and a groundwater well. The three locations are within a radius of approximately 300 meters. Data were logged every minute for forty-eight hours. Temperature, pH, DO, ORP, TDS and salinity were recorded using a multi-parameter probe. Alkalinity was analyzed using a digital titrator in the field. Water samples were collected at each location for chemical analysis (cation and anion). Nitrate and iron concentrations were determined in field using a spectrometer. Temperature remained nearly constant at all sample locations. Water level and conductivity at all locations showed cyclical trends with lag variations of about two hours between them. The trend in the cycle in the mangrove and open water are in phase and both are out of phase with the groundwater. The highest change in water level of about 2 meters occurs at the mangrove. Conductivity values varied between 1976–4075 µS/cm at the mangrove, 275–3357 µS/cm in open water and 756–1038 µS/cm in the groundwater. Salinity varied between 0.94–1.98 psu at the mangrove, 0.83–1.70 psu in open water, and 1.07–1.46 psu in the groundwater. Alkalinity as CaCO₃ was 33 mg/L at the mangrove, 275 mg/L in groundwater and 60 mg/L in open water. Total dissolved solids (TDS) varied between 2137–9632 ppm at the mangrove, 830-1635 ppm in open water and 1080–1421 ppm in the groundwater. The trends suggest that while the surface water parameters are mostly influenced by tidal variations, the groundwater is influenced by both tidal variations and factors such as subsurface geology and human activities.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 51, No. 5

doi: 10.1130/abs/2019AM-337692

© Copyright 2019 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.