Integration of GIS and F-Hydra Model for Aquifer Vulnerability Monitoring in the Afram Plains, Ghana
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection
Abstract
Aquifer vulnerability is a critical issue across the entire globe due to the de pletion of groundwater and escalation of pollution levels, which poses a det rimental effect on the natural environment. To ascertain this contamination
risk, an extensive study has been conducted to assess the aquifer vulnerability
by using the F-hydra model. This paper presents the vulnerability technique
for the theory and application of flow accumulation, land-use and hydraulic
conductivity. The model was applied to a shallow aquifer in eastern Ghana’s
Volta River Basin, with the results being compared to the standardised
DRASTIC model. The model follows the aquifer vulnerability assessment
concept of the source pathway receptor where flow accumulation represents
the ponding areas with downward percolation of contaminant to the water
table, land-use represents the human activities at the land surface, and hy draulic conductivity represents the driving force leading to the movement of
contaminant. The results reveal that the moderate vulnerability region covers
51.55% (2598.12 km2
) of the entire area. The high and low vulnerability re gions cover a significant percentage of the area 1.13% (56.52 km2
) and 47.32%
(2384.93 km2
), respectively. The final vulnerability index was largely influ enced by the removal of the hydraulic conductivity and land-use parameters.
The model was validated with nitrate concentration in drilled wells in the
study area. The maps produced in this study could be utilised as a guide to
vulnerability by policymakers, groundwater manager and planners aimed at
preserving the integrity of this vulnerable resource
Description
Keywords
GIS, Vulnerability, Vulnerability, Nitrate Contamination, Groundwater, ACE: Energy and Environmental Sustainability, University of Energy & Natural Resources, Ghana, Power