TITLE:
Assessment of the Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water from Some Wells and Boreholes in the City of Abeche (Chad)
AUTHORS:
Mablahi Amina Kanika, Imar Djibrine Soudy, Alhadj Markhous Nazal, Oumalkher Youssouf Adam, Yacoub Mahamat Allamine, Akoïna Moursal
KEYWORDS:
Microbiological Quality, Water, Boreholes, Wells, Abeche-Chad
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
13,
2024
ABSTRACT: The inadequacy of drinking water distribution by the Chadian Water Company (STE) has led to the proliferation of private wells and boreholes in the city of Abéché. This study aims to evaluate the microbiological quality of the drinking water from these wells and boreholes in the city. Methodology: To carry out this study, a randomized selection of forty-five (45) water points, including nine (9) wells and thirty-six (36) boreholes, was identified, and samples were collected. These samples were sent to the National Water Laboratory (LNE) to test for several microbiological parameters, namely Escherichia coli, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal enterococci, and total aerobic flora. The technique used for this analysis was spread plating and membrane filtration. Results: The average values obtained in the well water are 0.338*104 CFU/100 ml for total coliforms, 0.156*104 CFU/100 ml for fecal coliforms, 0.319*103 CFU/100 ml for Escherichia coli, 33.33 CFU/100 ml for fecal enterococci and 1.385*104 CFU/100 ml for total aerobic flora. For borehole water, the average values obtained are 0.469*104 CFU/100 ml for total coliforms, 0.134*104 CFU/100 ml for fecal coliforms, 0.337*103 CFU/100 ml for Escherichia coli, 16.67 CFU/100 ml for fecal enterococci and 1.47*104 CFU/100 ml for total aerobic flora. Conclusion: According to the tolerance thresholds set by the WHO, the average values obtained significantly exceed the recommended standards for drinking water. Therefore, these waters must be treated alongside environmental sanitation measures at water points to ensure a safe drinking water supply that poses no major health risks to the population. For this fact, an appropriate health survey and the implementation of community water and sanitation projects are recommended.