Abstract

The Eastern flank of Mt Cameroon constitutes one of the richest drainage systems in the world. However, the surface waters on which the surrounding population depends, continues to witness pollution from anthropogenic and in some cases, natural phenomena. The major objective of this study was to conduct a biogeochemical evaluation on the quality of major surface waters (streams, rivers) to ascertain their suitability for human consumption, recreation and for the suste-nance of their aquatic ecosystems. 9 water samples were collected and analyzed from 6 major streams and rivers running through heavily populated areas at the upstream and downstream. With the use of Rockwork software, multivariate statistical techniques were employed to group samples into hydrochemical facies in order to identify potential pollution sources. The results reveal a decreasing order of magnitude for cations: Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+. Meanwhile the anions the trend reveals a decreasing order as follows: HCO3- >> Cl- > NO3- > SO42-. The main water types of the area are NaK- HCO3 and CaMg- HCO3-. While most of the samples have trace metal concentrations well below the WHO guidelines for drinking water, the Stone Quarters Stream (STQ) shows high concentrations of trace elements Fe, Mn and Al from geogenic sources. Most of the samples revealed generally low concentrations for trace metals as the total coliform counts exceeded the WHO guideline of zero (CFU)/100 mL. Rock-water reactions which leads to chem-ical weathering of silicates and human (anthropogenic) pollution which engenders microbial con-tamination are respectively the main culprits of surface water contamination. Most of the waters in their current state, are unfit for human consumption, recreation and ecological sustenance while still safe for irrigation with the exception of the STQ which appears unsuitably hazardous. The study further proposes institutional and technological remedies through which the problem can be addressed and mitigated such as effective stakeholder coordination, improved community awareness and waste collection processes, monitoring and enforcement, allocation of funds to-wards innovative solutions, expansion of sewage and water treatment facilities, water boiling and chlorination, and the provision of water filters.

Key words: Water quality, anthropogenic, contamination, pollution, trace elements, nutrients.