Evaluation of chemical properties in wells in Ghana (A case study in Ho Municipality)

Abstract

The most important inorganic contaminant is nitrate ion, NO₃^-.Excess nitrate ion in drinking water is a potential health hazard: risk of methemoglobinemia (or “blue-baby” syndrome). Sources of nitrate in groundwater: nitrogen fertilizers, atmospheric deposition, human sewage deposited in septic systems. The results of the study show that the values of parameters of the water samples such as, alkalinity, phosphate and nitrate etc are higher than WHO standards. None of the samples had nil value of nitrates and nitrites. The levels of nitrogen ammonium were less than WHO limits of 1.5 mg/L. All the samples had the phosphate concentration higher than 0.01 mg/L (WHO) Guideline value. The mean values also exceeded the limits. It was recommended that, the focus of any programme designed to deliver safe drinking water should therefore be the effective management and operation of water sources, treatment plants and distribution systems whether piped or manual. This will demand action by water suppliers, environmental protection agencies and health bodies.