Shallow groundwater recharge mechanism and apparent age in the Ndop plain, northwest Cameroon

Knowledge of groundwater recharge and apparent age constitutes a valuable tool for its sustainable management. Accordingly, shallow groundwater (n = 72) in the Ndop plain has been investigated using the stable isotopes of oxygen (18O) and hydrogen (2H or D) and tritium (3H) to determine the recharge process, timing and rate of recharge, and residence time. The shallow groundwater showed low variability in δ18O values (−2.7 to −4.1 ‰) and 3H content (2.4–3.1 TU). The low variability suggests a similar origin, homogenous aquifer, good water mixing and storage capacity of the groundwater reservoir. Like surface water, a cluster of groundwater along the Ndop Meteoric Water Line (NMWL) and Global Meteoric Water Line indicates meteoric origin/recharge. The rainfall recharge occurs under low relative humidity conditions and negligible evaporation effect. About 80 % of the recharge is from direct heterogeneous/diffuse local precipitation at low altitude (<1,260 m) within the Ndop plain. Approximately 20 % is from high altitude precipitation (localised recharge) or is recharged by the numerous inflowing streams and rivers from high elevations. A homogenous cluster of δ-values in groundwater (and surface water) between May and June monsoon rains on the NMWL suggests dominant recharge during these months. The recharge represents at least 16 % (>251 mm) of the annual rainfall (1,540 mm) indicating high annual recharge; high enough for development of the groundwater resource for agriculture. The 3H content (>2.4 TU) in groundwater indicates post-1952 recharged water with an estimated residence time <30 years, suggesting short subsurface circulation, and subsequently a renewable aquifer.