Hydrochemical Characterization and Water Pollution Indices of Groundwater in Urban Farming Areas: The Case of the Municipality of Man, Western Côte d’Ivoire

The objective of this study was to assess the physicochemical and metallic quality of groundwater used in urban farming areas of the Man municipality, western Côte d’Ivoire. Nine water samples were collected in March 2025 and analyzed for key physical, chemical, and trace metal elements (TME). The results showed pH values ranging from 4.9 to 9.3 and an average electrical conductivity of 60.9 µS/cm. The groundwater exhibited high concentrations of major ions (K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) and nitrites (up to 101.7 mg/L), exceeding WHO standards. Trace metal concentrations were dominated by zinc (mean = 303.2 mg/L), iron (186.9 mg/L), and cadmium (0.31 mg/L). Contamination factor (CF) values indicated extreme pollution by Cd, Fe, and Zn, with an overall contamination degree (CD) of 793.6. Statistical analysis revealed two main sources of mineralization: natural (geochemical alteration) and anthropogenic (agricultural inputs and waste disposal). Overall, groundwater in the urban farming zones of Man is unsuitable for human consumption and requires regular monitoring and the implementation of sustainable water resource management measures.