Effect of Anthropogenic Pollutants on the Water Quality of an Aquifer System in the Sudd Wetlands, South Sudan

Abstract

In context of a humanitarian aid project deep wells of 300 m depth have been drilled for the drinking water supply of the local population. In the study area the population got its drinking water mostly from shallow wells. These wells show significantly increasing salt contents, so the water quality becomes brackish. In order to search for potential sources of high salinity in drinking water a hydrochemical research program has been started at different boreholes in various settlements and different depths as well as surface water. The analysis results indicated six different water types characterized by its hydrochemistry. Ion balances as well as salinity degree are varying significantly.