Preliminary results of Biophysicochemical characterization of wells and borehole waters and their health implication, Mfou-Centre Region Cameroon

Groundwater represents an important source for water supply in Mfou, Centre Region Cameroon. Increase in population has caused a shortage in availability of portable water; hence majority of the population depends on groundwater tapped through wells, boreholes and springs. Although this helps to meet their needs, the quality of water from these sources is unknown by the consumers. This study aimed at assessing the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater in Mfou, was done in order to determine the impact of anthropogenic pressure on water and to measure the health risks on users. A total of 23 wells and 4 boreholes were sampled in April 2022 which corresponds to the minor rainy season. Microbiological analyses comprised the prevalence of total coliforms (TCs), Escherichia coli, fecal coliform, Streptococcus spp, Salmonella spp,  shigella spp, vibrio spp and staphylococcus spp. Physico-chemical parameters including temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDSs), salinity, dissolved O₂ were measured to characterize these waters. The results showed variation of pH from 3.52-6.81, temperature 24.04-27.4°C, electrical conductivity 24-361 μS/cm, dissolved O₂ 27.1-61.9% mg/l, TDSs and Salinity from, 15-176 mg/l and 10.2-97.3ppm respectively. Results of specific Microbes isolated (Total Fecal Coliforms) / colony forming units/ml, reveals Total coliform Enterobacteria spp. (3-200), Total feacal coliform E. Coli (1-70), Streptococcus spp(02-05) Salmonella spp(1-22) Shigella spp(2-4)  Staphylococus spp(2-20) Vibrio spp.(0) Comparing results with WHO standards reveals, about 40% were not good for direct consumption as they were contaminated with one or more bacteria. The water contamination would be the consequence of the closeness of boreholes to latrines and domestic wastes dumping sites. There is a need to educate the population on the water quality, the importance of clean and healthy surroundings near water sources and also common treatment methods to improve the water quality and reduce waterborne diseases.

 

Keywords: Groundwater, quality assessment, biophysicochemical characterization, health and safety.