The Use of Factor and Cluster Analysis to Interpret Groundwater Chemistry in Ga East Municipality, Ghana, West Africa.

Abstract

Groundwater chemistry was interpreted in this studies to ascertain the groundwater controlling parameters within the vicinity of Ga East Municipality, Ghana. 37 data points from various Boreholes were analyzed using factor and cluster analysis. The studies have revealed that groundwater in  areas of Ga East is controlled by seawater intrusions, anthropogenic activities and carbonate mineral dissociation  according to the results obtained from factor analysis. Three cluster groups were developed which shows that cluster 1 have electrical conductivity and total hardness that were within the permissible limit of the WHO guideline for drinking water. Indicating that these boreholes are safe for human consumption. Within cluster 2, these boreholes representing about 32.4% have higher electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH) and are slightly acidic. This could be attributed to the closeness of the study area to the sea that has resulted in seawater intrusions, carbonate mineral dissociations from geological formation as well as industrial effluents and others anthropogenic activities. Although it is uncertain that the geology of the area include halite. The cluster 3 accounted for the water types in the study area. The water types depicted include (Na⁺-Cl^- and Ca⁺²-Cl^-)water types.  The water type could be as a result of seawater intrusion into the aquifers of the study area, accounting to high total dissolved solids as well as electrical conductivity. Although bicarbonate was found to be dominant in the study area, but it has not influence the groundwater formation significantly.

 Keywords: Cluster analysis, Factor analysis, Interpretation, Groundwater Chemistry, Ga East, Ghana