Spatial assessment of the physicochemical parameters of groundwater in the watershed draining the commune of toécé, Burkina Faso, West Africa

This study focuses on assessing the quality of basement aquifers in the catchment area of the Toécé commune, located in the south-central region of Burkina Faso. It highlights the complex challenges of managing water quality, which is influenced by both geo-geogenic and anthropogenic factors. To analyse this spatial variability, geostatistical tools such as ordinary kriging and the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method were used to map the distribution of physico-chemical parameters based on 249 water samples taken from boreholes. These methods were used to identify areas sensitive to pollution, in particular those affected by high nitrate concentrations. The results show that groundwater quality is highly variable in the region, ranging from areas with good quality water to polluted areas. The study also recommends the use of isotopes for more precise mapping of recharge areas and a better understanding of infiltration flows, particularly in areas with high nitrate concentrations. This approach could provide crucial information for the implementation of sustainable management strategies and the protection of groundwater resources in this region and at national level.