Physico-chemical and bacteriological characterization of surface waters for domestic use: Case of river waters in M'pody village (Anyama, Ivory Coast)

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of the waters of the rivers of the village M'pody in order to evaluate their impacts on the health of the populations. The methodology consisted of four water sampling campaigns in the Souman and Chibi rivers. Conventional physico-chemical parameters were determined by electrochemical and spectrophotometric methods. The microbiological analysis was carried out using the membrane filtration technique. The results showed that physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters are beyond the WHO recommendations. The noncompliance of this water is related to high levels of turbidity, conductivity, temperature and a high total iron content. For bacteriological parameters, this noncompliance is related to the presence of Escherichia coli, Tolerant Thermo Coliform, Total Coliform, Fecal Enterococci, Pseudomonas sp, Sulphite-Reducing Anaerobic) (SRA). Water of the rivers showed huge non-conformities related to physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. This water was therefore unfit for human consumption. Thus, to minimize potential health risks, the adoption of hygiene measures in particular, a good purification of this water must be recommended to the populations in order to better preserve their health.