Author(s)

J. O. Odiyo, R. Makungo & T. G. Muhlarhi

Abstract

A study has been made to investigate the impacts of geochemistry and agricultural activities on groundwater quality in the Soutpansberg Mountains and its neighbourhoods, South Africa. The agrochemicals, livestock wastes, decayed plants and geochemistry potentially pollute groundwater. The physical and chemical parameters were measured and analyzed in the field and laboratory, respectively. The pH and electrical conductivity were within the recommended guidelines. Turbidity exceeded the recommended guidelines in most of the boreholes. Calcium and magnesium exceeded the acceptable levels. Nitrate, chloride and sulphate were within acceptable levels except for boreholes in northern and the south-western side of the mountain. The high levels of the metals and non-metals are mainly from fertilizers, organic waste and waste sludge used to improve production and from livestock. The impacts of agricultural activities on groundwater quality varied from one farm to another. The geologic formations of the study area do not have significant impacts on groundwater quality. Keywords: agricultural activities, fractured aquifers, geochemistry, groundwater quality, Soutpansberg.

Keywords

agricultural activities, fractured aquifers, geochemistry, groundwater quality, Soutpansberg.