Soil Geochemistry and Contamination Zoning in Northeastern Ghana: Insights From the Bongo and Talensi Districts

Understanding natural geochemical background levels is essential for distinguishing anthropogenic pollution from lithogenic signatures in environmental studies. This research focuses on soil geochemical compositions in the Bongo and Talensi districts of northern Ghana, where limited geochemical characterization has hindered effective environmental assessments. This study applies advanced geostatistical methods including Iterative Frequency Distribution and Concentration-Area techniques, by integrating traditional geochemical analyses with multifractal modelling, to provide reliable baseline data for environmental management, land use planning, resource mapping. This study establishes regional geochemical background indicators and baseline values while employing machine learning techniques to evaluate geochemical indicators and delineate spatial geochemical zones. Results reveal distinct geochemical provinces, with Talensi showing increased trace metal concentrations and geochemical clusters linked to volcanic and possibly hydrothermal influences, while Bongo is characterized primarily by silicate weathering processes and minimal trace element variability. Chromium (Cr) emerges as the dominant trace element, with concentrations surpassing international threshold levels, indicating lithogenic enrichment rather than human-induced contamination. While Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, and As levels remain within regulatory standards, variations in Ni and V highlight the region’s heterogeneous bedrock influences. The findings demonstrate that natural geochemical variations – rather than direct anthropogenic pollution – primarily control soil chemistry in these districts. Concluding, the study offers crucial insights into geochemical spatial distribution while contributing to improved strategies for pollution assessment, mineral exploration and sustainable environmental governance in Ghana.