Abstract
Wakwa is an intensive cattle-grazing area in Northern Cameroon. The present study was carried out to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of different samples of spring waters commonly consumed by cattles in this area. Water samples were collected in dry season (February and April) of 2002 from four (Wakwa Palestine, Massagali, Djomtari and Lahoré Vina) springs and analysed for their mineral (NO<SUB>3</SUB>, Cl, PO<SUB>4</SUB><SUP>3-</SUP>, HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>-</SUP>, Ca, Mg, Mn, Al, Zn, Cu, Fe, ammoniacal nitrogen) and organic matter content using appropriate and current analytical methods (Absorption spectrophotometer, Inductive Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Colorimetry). Mineral content of the waters was found to vary very significantly (p<0.05) with sources. Of all the springs, that of Lahoré Vina was found to contain the highest levels of such elements as HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>-</SUP>, Na, Ca, the Mg, Na and K. In general, the levels of Mn and organic matter (0.05 mg, l.4 mg of O<SUB>2</SUB>/l, respectively) found in the Lahoré Vina springs were higher than the E.P.A recommended levels. Equally high in these waters were the levels of such trace elements as Al and Mn. Zinc concentrations were highest in waters obtained from Wakwa Palestine Springs. Iron levels in the different waters did not vary with source. Based on an average daily consumption of 21 litres a day water from the Lahoré Vina springs grazing animals could meet their requirements of Na and Ca. On the same basis, the other sources can supply only about 14 and 5% of daily requirements for Na and Calcium.