Papers by Bismark A W I N B I R E Akurugu
Study region: Densu River Basin in Ghana, West Africa.
Study focus: This paper reviews aquifers ... more Study region: Densu River Basin in Ghana, West Africa.
Study focus: This paper reviews aquifers and groundwater resources in the Densu River Basin based on several past studies which adopted hydrochemical, numerical modelling, geostatistical techniques, and several other conventional methods with particular focus on the hydrogeological
and hydrochemical characteristics, general water quality and quantity challenges, and the projections thereof.
New hydrological insights: Groundwater recharge was revealed to far exceed the abstraction and offer great potential for other uses. However, the recharge rate is at the risk of diminishing due to climate change threats such as falling runoff and rainfall amounts, rising atmospheric temperatures, and population growth. The groundwater is generally of acceptable quality for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. The hydrochemistry of the groundwater is principally controlled by silicate weathering, ion exchange and sea water intrusion. Groundwater contamination due to domestic waste discharge, mining and agricultural activities also feature significantly in the basin. The emerging issues identified in this review include rising water demands, impacts of climate change on groundwater resources, anthropogenic effects on groundwater
quality and inadequate knowledge of the underlying aquifers. Integrated hydrogeological assessment of the basin conducted in a holistic manner will therefore be necessary to properly understand the aquifers and groundwater resources in the basin for informed water management
decisions.
The Scientific World Journal, 2020
A comprehensive chemical quality assessment of groundwater resources in the Talensi District has ... more A comprehensive chemical quality assessment of groundwater resources in the Talensi District has been conducted using conventional graphical methods and multivariate statistical techniques. e study sought to determine the main controls of groundwater chemistry and its suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes in the district. Silicate and carbonate mineral weathering were identified as the main controls on groundwater chemistry in the district, with reverse ion exchange also playing a role. High nitrate and lead levels observed have been associated with agrochemicals and wastewater from farms and homes. ree main flow regimes have been identified with Q-mode cluster analysis, in which mixed cation water types have been revealed, where areas designated as recharge zones are dominated by Na + + K +-Mg 2+-HCO 3 − fresh water types characterised by low mineralisation and pH, which evolve into Mg 2+-Na + + K +-HCO 3 − fresh water type with corresponding increased mineralisation of the groundwater. Based on the water quality index (WQI) technique modified for the district and an interpolation technique using ordinary kriging developed from a well-fitted exponential semivariogram for the estimated WQIs, the groundwater quality has been spatially classified as generally 'good' to 'excellent' for domestic purposes. Generally, the quality of groundwater for domestic usage deteriorates as one moves towards the north of the district, whereas waters in the east and west present the best quality. Classifications based on the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL), Wilcox, and Doneen diagrams suggest that groundwater from the unconfined aquifers of the district is of excellent quality for irrigation purposes.
River basins are well known as the origin of advanced human social development and cultural herit... more River basins are well known as the origin of advanced human social development and cultural heritage which
ancient and modern communities have depended on for livelihood, commerce and habitat. Dam is one of the
many man-made alterations to river basins that have been built for centuries and without doubt have contributed
to the development of many nations. However, their social, health and environmental impacts have in too many
cases not been assessed most often in developing countries. This research sought to explore and understand the
Vea Dam within the context of socio-economic and health impacts on the host communities. Secondary data
were collected from Irrigation Company of Upper Region and Bongo District Assembly in Ghana whilst primary
data were obtained through random and stratified sampling. The results revealed that 2.6% and 66% of the
respondents are employed in the fishery sector and irrigation sector, respectively. The dam necessitated the
relocation of about 34% of the communities and on the average two people are drown annually in the Dam. The
prevalence of water borne diseases after the construction of the Dam was also perceived by the communities to
have increased. The Dam has both positive and negative socio-economic and health impacts on the surrounding
communities with the benefits outweighing the negative impacts. The availability of potable drinking water in
the area has created development with inevitable rise in standard of living. The study also revealed that
agricultural activities, freshwater fishery and availability of water for irrigation of farmlands have improved.
However, an enhancement in the beneficial impacts and minimization of the adverse impacts would help better
livelihood in the communities.
Uploads
Papers by Bismark A W I N B I R E Akurugu
Study focus: This paper reviews aquifers and groundwater resources in the Densu River Basin based on several past studies which adopted hydrochemical, numerical modelling, geostatistical techniques, and several other conventional methods with particular focus on the hydrogeological
and hydrochemical characteristics, general water quality and quantity challenges, and the projections thereof.
New hydrological insights: Groundwater recharge was revealed to far exceed the abstraction and offer great potential for other uses. However, the recharge rate is at the risk of diminishing due to climate change threats such as falling runoff and rainfall amounts, rising atmospheric temperatures, and population growth. The groundwater is generally of acceptable quality for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. The hydrochemistry of the groundwater is principally controlled by silicate weathering, ion exchange and sea water intrusion. Groundwater contamination due to domestic waste discharge, mining and agricultural activities also feature significantly in the basin. The emerging issues identified in this review include rising water demands, impacts of climate change on groundwater resources, anthropogenic effects on groundwater
quality and inadequate knowledge of the underlying aquifers. Integrated hydrogeological assessment of the basin conducted in a holistic manner will therefore be necessary to properly understand the aquifers and groundwater resources in the basin for informed water management
decisions.
ancient and modern communities have depended on for livelihood, commerce and habitat. Dam is one of the
many man-made alterations to river basins that have been built for centuries and without doubt have contributed
to the development of many nations. However, their social, health and environmental impacts have in too many
cases not been assessed most often in developing countries. This research sought to explore and understand the
Vea Dam within the context of socio-economic and health impacts on the host communities. Secondary data
were collected from Irrigation Company of Upper Region and Bongo District Assembly in Ghana whilst primary
data were obtained through random and stratified sampling. The results revealed that 2.6% and 66% of the
respondents are employed in the fishery sector and irrigation sector, respectively. The dam necessitated the
relocation of about 34% of the communities and on the average two people are drown annually in the Dam. The
prevalence of water borne diseases after the construction of the Dam was also perceived by the communities to
have increased. The Dam has both positive and negative socio-economic and health impacts on the surrounding
communities with the benefits outweighing the negative impacts. The availability of potable drinking water in
the area has created development with inevitable rise in standard of living. The study also revealed that
agricultural activities, freshwater fishery and availability of water for irrigation of farmlands have improved.
However, an enhancement in the beneficial impacts and minimization of the adverse impacts would help better
livelihood in the communities.
Study focus: This paper reviews aquifers and groundwater resources in the Densu River Basin based on several past studies which adopted hydrochemical, numerical modelling, geostatistical techniques, and several other conventional methods with particular focus on the hydrogeological
and hydrochemical characteristics, general water quality and quantity challenges, and the projections thereof.
New hydrological insights: Groundwater recharge was revealed to far exceed the abstraction and offer great potential for other uses. However, the recharge rate is at the risk of diminishing due to climate change threats such as falling runoff and rainfall amounts, rising atmospheric temperatures, and population growth. The groundwater is generally of acceptable quality for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. The hydrochemistry of the groundwater is principally controlled by silicate weathering, ion exchange and sea water intrusion. Groundwater contamination due to domestic waste discharge, mining and agricultural activities also feature significantly in the basin. The emerging issues identified in this review include rising water demands, impacts of climate change on groundwater resources, anthropogenic effects on groundwater
quality and inadequate knowledge of the underlying aquifers. Integrated hydrogeological assessment of the basin conducted in a holistic manner will therefore be necessary to properly understand the aquifers and groundwater resources in the basin for informed water management
decisions.
ancient and modern communities have depended on for livelihood, commerce and habitat. Dam is one of the
many man-made alterations to river basins that have been built for centuries and without doubt have contributed
to the development of many nations. However, their social, health and environmental impacts have in too many
cases not been assessed most often in developing countries. This research sought to explore and understand the
Vea Dam within the context of socio-economic and health impacts on the host communities. Secondary data
were collected from Irrigation Company of Upper Region and Bongo District Assembly in Ghana whilst primary
data were obtained through random and stratified sampling. The results revealed that 2.6% and 66% of the
respondents are employed in the fishery sector and irrigation sector, respectively. The dam necessitated the
relocation of about 34% of the communities and on the average two people are drown annually in the Dam. The
prevalence of water borne diseases after the construction of the Dam was also perceived by the communities to
have increased. The Dam has both positive and negative socio-economic and health impacts on the surrounding
communities with the benefits outweighing the negative impacts. The availability of potable drinking water in
the area has created development with inevitable rise in standard of living. The study also revealed that
agricultural activities, freshwater fishery and availability of water for irrigation of farmlands have improved.
However, an enhancement in the beneficial impacts and minimization of the adverse impacts would help better
livelihood in the communities.