Delineation of groundwater salinity zones in Shefa and Malampa Provinces, Vanuatu

Kotra, Krishna K. and Bathula, S. and Sami, E. (2022) Delineation of groundwater salinity zones in Shefa and Malampa Provinces, Vanuatu. Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 21 (2). pp. 803-812. ISSN 0972-6268

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB)

Abstract

A preliminary assessment was carried out in identifying the salinity zones due to considerable concern over salty groundwater resources in Vanuatu’s Shefa and Malampa regions. Electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were measured on the islands of Efate, Lamen, and Nguna in Shefa province, as well as the islands of Ambrym and Paama in Malampa province. Thirty-four percent of the samples exceeded
Vanuatu’s National Drinking Water Standards with an average of 3123 µS/Cm indicating possible salinity zones. Whereas the average pH of 7.21 was in the range of acceptable levels. EC values as high as 18,520 µS/cm indicate groundwater in some locations are unfit for drinking. The average Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 1717 mg.L-1 is also indicating non-compliance with standards. Salinity zone
maps were developed based on the observations. Further detailed studies need to be conducted to ascertain the factors that influence groundwater salinity, such as geology, island type, and seasonality.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited:	07 Jun 2022 00:09
Last Modified:	07 Jun 2022 00:09
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/13445

Actions (login required)

View Item