Effectiveness of home water treatment methods in Dschang, Cameroon

Abstract

The MPN (Most Probable Number) technique was used to assess the bacteriological quality of nine of the important drinking water sources in Dschang. Water from the most polluted source was then subjected to six home-based treatment methods, commonly used by the population. Boiling for up to thirty minutes was the most effective method. This was followed in decreasing effectiveness by chemical methods using sodium hypochlorite and chloramines, filtration techniques with the use of the porcelain candle, micro filter and cotton filter. In order to have water of acceptable quality, the sanitary techniques of boiling and the use of sodium hypochlorite and chloramines are recommended.

Keywords: bacteriological quality, treatment methods, drinking water, quality

Cameroon Journal of Experimental Biology Vol. 1(2) 2005: 102-106