Evaluation of surface and groundwater quality in Logbadjeck quarrying area: implications for trace metals pollution and health risk assessment

Surface and groundwater constitute a prominent water source for domestic and irrigation use. This study investigates the physicochemical characteristics of surface and groundwater quality for domestic and agricultural purposes in the Logbadjeck quarrying area within the Nyong Series, Southern Cameroon. Chemical parameters were determined by titration, spectrometry, and colorimetric methods. Results revealed that the mean values of temperature (28.82 °C), electrical conductivity (140 µS/cm), and total dissolved solids (69.5 mg/L) are in the permissible range recommended by the World Health Organization of water for domestic and irrigation usage. The low electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids indicate low mineralization and fresh water. The relative abundance of major ions (meg/L) was in the order: Ca²⁺  > Mg²⁺  > Na²⁺  > K⁺ for cations and HCO₃⁻ > NO³⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > Cl⁻ > F⁻ for anions respectively. These major ion concentrations were low and within the World Health Organization’s drinking and agricultural irrigation guideline values. Hydrogeochemical facies observed were Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-Cl⁻-SO₄²⁻, Na⁺-K⁺ CL⁻-SO₄²⁻, Na⁺-K⁺-HCO₃⁻ and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-HCO₃⁻. The water chemistry is principally controlled by the atmospheric precipitation and weathering of the host rock through mineral dissolution, ion exchange processes, and anthropogenic sources. Based on irrigation parameters, all water samples fall in the safe range for irrigation purposes. Additionally, pollution and health risk indicators suggest no pollution and health risks associated with the water of Logbadjeck. The water quality in the study area is good for drinking and irrigation as most of the parameters are below the World Health Organization guidelines.