The impact of urban development on coastal aquifers near Cotonou, Benin

Mineralization processes and water quality of Quaternary to Mio-Pliocene sanstone aquifers near Cotonou, Benin have been studied using wells sampled during May 1991, August 1991 and April 1992. Anthropogenic pollution, indicated especially by high concentrations of nitrate, P and K, has been detected in the upper aquifer. In contrast, the lower aquifer has acceptable concentrations of solutes, with the exception of the Godomey pumping area, where incipient saline intrusion is detected. Some suggestions are made for aquifer protection based on the careful understanding of groundwater flow directions.