Assessment of the quality of the Densu river using multicriterial analysis and water quality index

The natural resources, especially water in the Densu river basin, play significant roles in the socio-economic development of Ghana. The purpose of this study was to analyse the water quality of the Densu river using water quality index (WQI) and multivariate techniques. In this study, physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters were measured from surface water samples taken from eight (8) sampling stations in the study area. water quality index and multivariate techniques such as hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were utilized in the analysis of surface water quality data. The results indicated that the average WQI of the Densu river for the two sampling periods was sixty-one (61) which is classified as Medium, based on the Solway WQI index. The pH levels of all the samples were within allowable limits of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. All the sampling stations for the two seasonal periods had bacteriological parameters higher than WHO guidelines, making the samples unsuitable for most domestic uses. The study revealed that six (6) principal components accounted for about 97% of the total variance of dataset and three (3) spatial clusters were classified. This research has provided the basis for applying both WQI and multivariate techniques in analysing and classifying water quality in a river basin.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Hydrogeological Profiles within Odeda Local Government, Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria

Groundwater quality can be affected by human activities such as agriculture and improper sewage disposal facilities currently in use by some homeowners within Odeda local government, Ogun State Nigeria. Sixty groundwatersamples collected from hand-dug wellswere analysed for physicochemical and bacteriological parameters using standard procedures. Results were integrated with multivariate and hydrogeochemical analyses to assess groundwater quality and hydrogeologycal facies within the study area. The range of values for the measured parameters include: pH (5.91 – 7.4), EC (101- 1142 μScm-1), TDS (50 - 581 mg L-1), NO3-(3 - 18 mg L-1), Cl- (25 – 234 mg L-1 ), BOD (0.1 – 17.9) and E. Coli (ND - 45×10cfu mL-1). The piper trilinear plot shows that the dominant hydrochemical facies in the study area is the Ca2+– Cl− type. A correlation analysis and a principal component analysis reflect dissolutions from basal rocks and contamination from biological wastes possibly arising from surrounding septic tanks or municipal waste disposal sites. There is need for a continuous monitoring of groundwater by relevant regulatory authorities to safeguard the human health and environment within the study area.

Evaluation of the Variability of Drinking Water Quality within Bamenda Metropolis, North West Region, Cameroon

Aims: The quality of drinking water within Bamenda metropolis was evaluated for it variability and suitability. Place and Duration of Study: Twenty-two (22) samples were collected (11 in the dry season and 11 in the wet season) from 4 main drinking water network in Bamenda (public, community, non-distributed and private network). Methodology: The samples were tested for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Norme Française (NF) were the methods used to determine the organoleptic, natural structure, undesirable, toxic and bacteriological parameters of the different samples. Water Quality Index (WQI), Na/Cl ratio and hydrochemical facies were deduced from the physiochemical parameters. Results: The findings indicate that water quality in Bamenda varies with seasons, location and sources. The pH of the study area was acidic with a higher dry season mean percentage of 52.6% against 47.4% for wet season. Turbidity showed amean percentage of 75: 25% for wet and dry season respectively. Wet season cations, showed abundance Ca2+ and Mg2+ while dry season showed Ca2+ and Na+. Bicarbonate and Chloride were the most abundant anions in both seasons but varied with seasonal concentrations. Bacteriological analysis identified faecal coliform in 3 dry season samples. Hydrochemical facies showed dominant of magnesium and bicarbonate for wet season samples while Sodium and Chlorine were dominant for dry season samples. Water Quality Index (WQI) ranged from 72 to 94 for the wet season and 84 to 100 for dry season. Conclusion: Though the results for WQI were within the acceptable standard for drinking water, pH for 21 samples and turbidity of 6 samples were not within the Cameroon nor World Health Organisation (WHO) Standard for drinking water. It is important that drinking water be tested seasonally to ascertain the quality being consumed.

R.A.OLAOYE et al. 2021 Variation of Groundwater and Rainwater Quality in a Nigerian Leper Colony

Adequate supply of potable water is a major challenge in most leper colony with emphasis often placed on water needs of “normal” people but little concern on the safe water source for the physically challenged and vulnerable lepers with limited mobility who cannot search for other sources of water outside designated colony. This study was designed to investigate the quality of water sources within a Nigerian leper colony. Periodic characterization of groundwater and rainwater samples was conducted using American Public Health Association (APHA) methods to determine physico-chemical parameters; appearance, odour, colour, taste, chloride, pH, sulphate, copper, zinc, iron, nitrate and bacteriological parameters; coliform organism and Escherichia coli (E-coli) against the world health organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Water samples were clear and odourless. Most of the parameters tested from both sources; groundwater and rainwater were within the recommended standard. Results from short term water quality parameters taken from 2010-2012 were relatively within the same range while the long-term decadal water quality parameters showed slight variation compared to the short term. Heavy metals showed remarkable variation in 2019 while bacteriological parameters from both water sources were above the permissible threshold. For potable use, water sources require adequate treatment. Boiling or disinfection is recommended until water samples have been retested to ascertain that contamination has been eliminated. In addition, home water-treatment through the use of filters, solar disinfection, or flocculants should be provided to make the water safe.