TITLE:
Comparative Study of the Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Water from Wells, Boreholes and Springs Consumed in the Massissia District in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Martin Tchoumou, Raison Félicien Louzayadio Mvouezolo, Harmel Obami-Ondon, Lyes Chinalda Boulingui Makaya, Adonaï Merci Malera Kombo
KEYWORDS:
Water Quality, Comparative Study, Consumption, Brazzaville
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.13 No.7,
July
12,
2023
ABSTRACT: The Republic of Congo in the course of the last two decades has been
marked by a strong demographic explosion. The increase of its population has
been accompanied by a significant demand for drinking water. The Congolese
populations in order to meet their water needs, have recourse to rainwater,
surface water and groundwater, because it is easy to access. The city of
Brazzaville, political capital of the Republic of Congo, is also affected by
this problem. The study carried out here aimed to assess the physicochemical
and microbiological parameters of groundwater (wells, boreholes and springs)
consumed by the populations of the Massissia district. In this work the
physicochemical parameters below were evaluated: the pH, the conductivity, the
hardness, the major ions, the undesirable substances as well as some toxic
elements (Lead, Cadmium, Iron and Zinc) thanks to techniques of colorimetry,
potentiometry and spectrophotometry. The main microbiological parameters
determined are E. Coli, Staphylococcus, Total Germs, Total Coliforms, Yeasts
and Molds. The physicochemical analyzes revealed that these waters are acidic
with pH values between 5 and
6.5, the nitrate concentration evaluated between 50 mg/L and 60 mg/L, and a presence of the
element Cadmium at values variants between 0.01 and 0.5 mg/L, values greater than the standard required by the WHO.
Microbiological analyzes revealed bacteriological contamination by presence of
E. coli in wells and boreholes whose origin is faecal contamination, the
presence of yeasts and molds, staphylococcus,
Total germs and Total coliforms and Ps Aeuginosis in all water points, making
these waters a real danger for consumers.