Analysis of the Productivity of Fractured Hard-Rock Aquifers in the Central African Fold Belt Using Borehole Pumping Test: Case of Mayo Bocki Watershed, North Cameroon
In the Mayo Bocki watershed, the population’s various water needs are met primarily by groundwater drawn from fractured bedrock aquifers. The aim of this study is to highlight the factors likely to influence hydraulic productivity and to estimate the hydraulic parameters of these fissured aquifers. To this end, the borehole data sheets and the reports on their pumping tests were consulted. The hydraulic parameters were estimated using the method developed by the Inter-African Committee for Hydraulic Studies. The investigation revealed that the flow rates in the boreholes were predominantly low. The productive depths of the bedrock are within the first 50 meters below the surface. Beyond this depth, water inflows become rare. A significant thickness of alteration overlying schist does not improve productivity, whereas in granites and gneisses, it appears to have a positive relationship with drilling rate. Schist is the most productive hydrogeological unit. The average values for the transmissivity and permeability coefficient are 2.7 × 10?4 m2/s and 9.32 × 10?6 m/s respectively. The geological structure revealed by the litho-stratigraphic logs is similar to that proposed by the classic conceptual model in the basement area. These results will help guide any hydrogeological investigations in the study area.
References
[1]
Boretti, A. and Rosa, L. (2019) Reassessing the Projections of the World Water Development Report. npjCleanWater, 2, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-019-0039-9
[2]
Ritchie, H. and Roser, M. (2023) Water Use and Stress. Our World Data. https://ourworldindata.org/water-use-stress
[3]
Laxman, K.D., Dhakate, R., Guguloth, S. and Srinivas, B. (2021) Hydrochemical Appraisal of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Agricultural Utility in a Granitic Terrain of Maheshwaram Area of Ranga Reddy District, Telnagana State, India. HydroResearch, 4, 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydres.2021.02.002
[4]
Lubis, A.M., Fauzi, H.W. and Akbar, A.J. (2025) Groundwater Potential Assessment in Pino Region, South Bengkulu, Indonesia Using Geo-Investigation, Remote Sensing, and GIS Approaches. Results in Earth Sciences, 3, Article 100059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rines.2025.100059
[5]
Ezugwu, C.K., Onwuka, O.S., Egbueri, J.C., Unigwe, C.O. and Ayejoto, D.A. (2019) Multi-Criteria Approach to Water Quality and Health Risk Assessments in a Rural Agricultural Province, Southeast Nigeria. HydroResearch, 2, 40-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydres.2019.11.005
[6]
Didier, J.B.H., Ewodo, G.M., Fantong, W.Y., Ombolo, A., Chounna, G.Y., Jokam, L.L.N., et al. (2023) Potentially Toxic Elements Contamination in Groundwater and Human Health Risk Assessment in the Mayo Bocki Watershed, North Cameroon. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 16, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11576-x
[7]
Pradhan, R.M., Singh, A., Ojha, A.K. and Biswal, T.K. (2022) Structural Controls on Bedrock Weathering in Crystalline Basement Terranes and Its Implications on Groundwater Resources. ScientificReports, 12, Article No. 11815. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-15889-x
[8]
Assemian, E.A., Kouamé, F.K., Saley, M.B., Affian, K., Youan Ta, M., Jourda, J.P.R., etal. (2014) étude De La Productivité D’un Aquifère De Socle Et Approche Statistique Pour La Détermination Des Tranches De Profondeurs Potentiellement Productives : Cas De La Région De Bongouanou, Est De La C？te D’ivoire. Revuedessciencesdel’eau, 27, 81-97. https://doi.org/10.7202/1021984ar
[9]
Ahoussi, K.E., Koffi, Y.B., Kouassi, A.M., Soro, G., Nagnin, S. and Biemi, J. (2013) Hydrodynamic Functioning of Discontinuous Aquifers in the Abidjan-Agboville Region (Southern Cote d’Ivoire). International Journal of Geography and Geology, 2013, 52-69. (in French) https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.10/2013.2.5/10.5.52.69
[10]
Ewodo, M.G., Bon, A.F., Bineli, E., Ntep, F. and Ombolo, A. (2017) Caracterisation de la productivite des aquiferes du socle de la region de l’extreme Nord, Cameroun. JournaloftheCameroonAcademyofSciences, 14, 25-38. https://doi.org/10.4314/jcas.v14i1.3
[11]
Dewandel, B., Lachassagne, P., Wyns, R., Maréchal, J.C. and Krishnamurthy, N.S. (2006) A Generalized 3-D Geological and Hydrogeological Conceptual Model of Granite Aquifers Controlled by Single or Multiphase Weathering. JournalofHydrology, 330, 260-284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2006.03.026
[12]
Teikeu, W.A., Njandjock, N.P., Tabod, T.C., Akame, M.J. and Nshagali, B.G. (2016) Hydrogeological Activity of Lineaments in Yaoundé Cameroon Region Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques. TheEgyptianJournalofRemoteSensingandSpaceScience, 19, 49-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrs.2015.12.006
[13]
Maréchal, J.C., Dewandel, B. and Subrahmanyam, K. (2004) Contribution of Hydraulics Tests at Different Scales to Characterise Fracture Network Properties in the Weathered-Fractured Layer of Hard Rock Aquifers. Water Ressources Research, 40, 108-115.
[14]
Wyns, R., Baltassat, J.M., Lachassagne, P., Legchenko, A., Vairon, J. and Mathieu, F. (2004) Application of SNMR Sounding for Groundwater Reserves Mapping in Weathered Basement Rocks. Bulletin Society Geology, 175, 21-34.
[15]
Anaba, O.A.B., Ndam Ngoupayou, J.R. and Mvondo, O.J. (2017) Analysis of Crystalline Bedrock Aquifer Productivity: Case of Central Region in Cameroon. GroundwaterforSustainableDevelopment, 5, 66-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2017.05.003
[16]
José, N.G., Loudi, Y., Quentin, Y.A.J., Yem, M. and Gabriel, N.C. (2021) Characterization of the Basement Aquifers over Edéa-Kribi Corridor Using Remote Sensing and Electrical Resistivity Method—A Case Study from Central Africa. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 14, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-06792-2
[17]
Bon, A.F., Ombolo, A., Biboum, P.M., Moutlen, J.M. and Mboudou, G.E. (2022) Identification of Hydrogeological Features Using Remote Sensing and Electromagnetic Methods in the Hard-Rock Formations of the Cameroon Coastal Plain (Central Africa): Implications for Water Borehole Location. Scientific African, 17, e01272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01272
[18]
Mounsi, F., Abdoul, A., Kankeu, A.G.M., Lyonga, D.I. and Ombolo, A. (2022) Contribution of Satellite Imagery to Hydrogeological Prospecting in Basement Aquifers (Méri, Far North Cameroon). European Modern Studies Journal, 1, 270-279.
[19]
Adeotan, Y.S.O., Vouillamoz, J., Lawson, F.M.A., Koita, M., Zorom, M., Traore, Y.S., et al. (2025) Beyond Lineaments: Exploring the Influence of Weathered Layers on Borehole Productivity in Basement Rocks of Burkina Faso, West Africa. HydrogeologyJournal, 33, 411-424. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-025-02876-5
[20]
Bon, A.F., Ndam Ngoupayou, J.R., Ewodo, M.G. and Ekodeck, G.E. (2016) Hydrogeological Characterization of Weathered and Fractured Basement Aquifers in the Olézoa Catchment in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Water Sciences Review, 29, 149-166.
[21]
Peterlini, G., Peccinini Pinese, J.P. and Celligoi, A. (2021) Proposed Method for the Evaluation of Water Productivity in Fractured Aquifers. Journal of Hydrology, 602, Article 126754. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2021.126754
[22]
Douagui, A.G., Kouadio, S.K.A., Mangoua, J.O.M., Kouassi, A.K., Kouam, B.K. and Savané, I. (2019) Using Specific Capacity for Assessing of the Factors Controlling Borehole Productivity in Crystalline Bedrock Aquifers of N’zi, Iffou and Moronou Regions in the Eastern Area of C？te d’Ivoire. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 9, Article 100235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2019.100235
[23]
Osta, M.E., Masoud, M., Alqarawy, A. and Badran, O. (2023) Utilizing of Aquifer Hydraulic Parameters to Assess the Groundwater Sustainability in the New Reclamation Area of Moghra Oasis: Western Desert—Egypt. Applied Water Science, 13, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-023-02042-w
[24]
Castany, G. (1998) Principe et méthode de l’hydrogéologie. Dunod éd Bordas.
[25]
Nigate, F., Yenehun, A., Belay, A.S., Asmamaw, D.K. and Walraevens, K. (2024) Application of Pumping Tests to Estimate Hydraulic Parameters of Volcanic Aquifers in Lake Tana Basin, Ethiopia. Water, 17, Article 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010009
[26]
Abdulrazzaq, Z.T., Al-Ansari, N., Aziz, N.A., Agbasi, O.E. and Etuk, S.E. (2020) Estimation of Main Aquifer Parameters Using Geoelectric Measurements to Select the Suitable Wells Locations in Bahr Al-Najaf Depression, Iraq. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 11, Article 100437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2020.100437
[27]
Ejepu, J.S., Jimoh, M.O., Abdullahi, S., Abdulfatai, I.A., Musa, S.T. and George, N.J. (2024) Geoelectric Analysis for Groundwater Potential Assessment and Aquifer Protection in a Part of Shango, North-Central Nigeria. Discover Water, 4, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43832-024-00091-z
[28]
Sattar, G.S., Keramat, M. and Shahid, S. (2014) Deciphering Transmissivity and Hydraulic Conductivity of the Aquifer by Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) Experiments in Northwest Bangladesh. Applied Water Science, 6, 35-45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-014-0203-9
[29]
de Almeida, A., Maciel, D.F., Sousa, K.F., Nascimento, C.T.C. and Koide, S. (2021) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) for Estimation of Hydraulic Parameters in the Porous Aquifer. Water, 13, Article 170. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13020170
[30]
Rie？, A. and Dietrich, P. (2025) Investigation of Hydrogeological Structures in Carbonate Rock with Ground Penetrating Radar. Environmental Earth Sciences, 84, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-025-12162-y
[31]
Zhang, M., Feng, X., Bano, M., Xing, H., Wang, T., Liang, W., et al. (2022) Review of Ground Penetrating Radar Applications for Water Dynamics Studies in Unsaturated Zone. Remote Sensing, 14, Article 5993. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14235993
[32]
Wei, Y., Chen, J., Li, L., Zhu, G. and Wen, Y. (2021) Estimation of the Hydraulic Properties of a Fractured Aquifer Using Numerical Experiments with the Discrete Fracture Network Model. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 66, 1685-1694. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2021.1962887
[33]
Sahranavard, H., Mohtashami, A., Mohtashami, E. and Akbarpour, A. (2025) Inverse Modeling Application for Aquifer Parameters Estimation Using a Precise Simulation-Optimization Model. Applied Water Science, 13, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-022-01864-4
[34]
Masoud, M., El Osta, M., Al-Amri, N., Niyazi, B., Alqarawy, A. and Rashed, M. (2024) Groundwater Characteristics’ Assessment for Productivity Planning in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Province, KSA. Hydrology, 11, Article 99. https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11070099
[35]
Nkeng, G., Fantong, W. and Duah, A. (2006) Groundwater Quality in Cameroon and Its Vulnerability to Pollution. In: Groundwater Pollution in Africa, Taylor & Francis, 47-55. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203963548.ch4
[36]
Haman, D.J.B., Fantong, F.W., Ewodo Mboudou, G.O.A. and Messi, G. (2022) Approche Décisionnelle Géospatiale Et Multicritère Dans L’identification Des Zones Potentielles De Recharge Des Eaux Souterraines : Cas Du Bassin Versant Du Mayo Bocki Au Nord Cameroun. JournaloftheCameroonAcademyofSciences, 18, 339-356. https://doi.org/10.4314/jcas.v18i1.5
[37]
Togo, A., Nkouandou, O.F., Zangmo Tefogoum, G., Yingyang Wanbitching, R., Anaba Fotze, Q.M. and Abdoulaye, S.A. (2025) Integration of Remote Sensing and Field Data for Morphotectonic Characterization and Petrographic Analysis of Dolerite Dykes in the Guebake Region, Northern Cameroon. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 18, Article No. 230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-025-12350-x
[38]
Tchuente, S.Y.F., Younui, Y.N.S., Djepang, S.A. and Sa？dou, N.A. (2019) Natural Radioactivity Measurements in Drinking Water and Ingestion Dose Assessment: Case of the Uranium Bearing Region of Poli, Cameroon. International Journal of Low Radiation, 11, 99-114. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijlr.2019.103330
[39]
Kouske, A.P., Suh, C.E., Ghogomu, R.T. and Ngako, V. (2012) Na-Metasomatism and Uranium Mineralization during a Two-Stage Albitization at Kitongo, Northern Cameroon: Structural and Geochemical Evidence. International Journal of Geosciences, 3, 258-279. https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2012.31028
[40]
CIEH (1990) Simplified Flow Rate Tests on Village Water Supply Boreholes. Explanatory Note. (in French) https://fr.ircwash.org/sites/default/files/232.2-88ES-5948.pdf
[41]
Meli’i, J.L., Fangang, V.K., Fobissie, B.L., Assatse, W.T., Arétouyap, Z., Yembe, S.J., et al. (2018) Hydraulic Parameters in the Neoproterozoic Aquifer of Yaounde, Cameroon. Environmental Earth Sciences, 77, Article No. 236. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7416-4
[42]
Soro, G., Soro, N., Ahoussi, K.E., Lasm, T., Kouamé, F.K., Soro, T.D., et al. (2010) Evaluation des propriétés hydrauliques des aquifères fracturés des formations cristalline et métamorphique dans la région des Lacs (centre de la C？te d’Ivoire). Estudios Geológicos, 66, 227-242. https://doi.org/10.3989/egeol.40123.093
[43]
Newman, C.P., Kisfalusi, Z.D. and Holmberg, M.J. (2021) Assessing Specific-Capacity Data and Short-Term Aquifer Testing to Estimate Hydraulic Properties in Alluvial Aquifers of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 38, Article 100949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100949
[44]
Valigi, D., Cambi, C., Checcucci, R. and Di Matteo, L. (2021) Transmissivity Estimates by Specific Capacity Data of Some Fractured Italian Carbonate Aquifers. Water, 13, Article 1374. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13101374
[45]
Razack, M. and Lasm, T. (2006) Geostatistical Estimation of the Transmissivity in a Highly Fractured Metamorphic and Crystalline Aquifer (Man-Danane Region, Western Ivory Coast). Journal of Hydrology, 325, 164-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2005.10.014
[46]
Richard, S.K., Chesnaux, R., Rouleau, A. and Coupe, R.H. (2016) Estimating the Reliability of Aquifer Transmissivity Values Obtained from Specific Capacity Tests: Examples from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Aquifers, Canada. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 61, 173-185. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2014.966720
[47]
Zebaze, A.T., Njueya, A.K., Kwekam, M. and Temgoua, E. (2020) Assessment of Hydrogeoelectrical Characteristics of Crystalline Aquifers and Groundwaters Quality in Adamawa Plateau: Case of Mbakaou (Adamawa-Cameroon). Environmental and Earth Sciences Research Journal, 7, 153-163. https://doi.org/10.18280/eesrj.070405
[48]
Feumba, R., Kemgang, D.T., Tabué Youmbi, J.G., et al. (2021) Assessment of Hydraulic Parameters and Protection Zones of Catchment Aquifers for Water Supply Network in Ndé Division, West-Cameroon (Central Africa). JournalofWaterResourceandProtection, 13, 478-497. https://doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2021.137028
[49]
Soro, D.D., Ko？ta, M., Biaou, A., Outombé, E., Koussoubé, Y., et al. (2015) Structure et géométrie d’un aquifère de socle sous climat sahélien: Cas du site expérimental de Sanon (Centre Nord du Burkina Faso). Journées techniques du Comité Fran？aisd’Hydrogéologie de l’Association Internationale des Hydrogéologues, 20, 1-9.
[50]
Lachassagne, P., Wyns, R. and Dewandel, B. (2011) The Fracture Permeability of Hard Rock Aquifers Is Due Neither to Tectonics, Nor to Unloading, but to Weathering Processes. TerraNova, 23, 145-161. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3121.2011.00998.x
