Bacteriological and Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater of Mbankomo Municipality (Center Region, Cameroon)
Author(s)
Murielle Patricia Mabou Tokam1, Antoine Tamsa Arfao2,3, Fils Mamert Onana4, Ernest Koji1, Vanelle Lontchi Segnou1, Yves Poutoum Yogne2, Awawou Manouore Njoya2, Ornel Kadji Tchantcha2, Ahmadou Fadimatou2,5, Sylvie Chinche Belengfe6, Edith Brunelle Mouafo Tamnou2 and Moïse Nola2
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DOI:10.17265/2162-5263/2023.03.002
Affiliation(s)
1. Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala 24157, Cameroon
2. Hydrobiology and Environment Laboratory, University of Yaounde 1, Faculty of Sciences, Yaounde 812, Cameroon
3. Laboratoire d’Application et d’Analyses Médicales, Institut Supérieur des Sciences et Techniques de la Santé et du Management de Garoua, BP. 51 Garoua, Cameroun
4. Department of Aquatic Ecosystems Management, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
5. Laboratory S3MN2E, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed-V University Rabat, Av. Ibn-Battouta, Rabat, Morocco 8007.N.U., North Africa
6. Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Buéa 63, Cameroon
ABSTRACT
A study to evaluate the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater was carried out in the commune of Mbankomo (Centre-Cameroon) at 4 wells and 4 springs during the period from March to August. The physico-chemical parameters were measured by the standard method. Indicator bacteria of fecal contamination, namely HAB (Heterotrophic Aerobic Bacteria), total and faecal coliforms (Escherichia coli), and faecal streptococci were isolated by the surface spreading technique on PCA (Plate Count Agar), Endo and BEA (Bile Esculin Azide) agar respectively, and sulphite-reducing clostridia by the incorporation method on Tryptone Sulfite Cycloserine (TSC) agar. From a physico-chemical point of view, the groundwater in Mbamkomo is characterized by an average temperature (24.24 ± 0.24 °C); it is polluted with organic matter, acid and poorly mineralized. It was noted from a bacteriological point of view that these waters have a high and varied bacterial load with an average value of 100.8 x 105 CFU/100 mL for coliforms, 16.3 x 105 CFU/100 mL for fecal streptococci, 5.6 x 105 CFU/100 mL for Escherichia coli and 4.8 x 10² CFU/100 mL for Clostridium perfringens. These concentrations are all higher than the WHO (World Health Organization) standards which are set at 0 CFU/100 mL for coliforms, fecal streptococci and Clostridium perfringens and indicate fecal pollution of these waters. Escherichia coli cell densities were significantly correlated with dissolved oxygen in the water (r = 0.510; p < 0.05). The degradation of the quality of these waters is favored by their proximity to pollution sources, poor maintenance and poor protection of the wells. These waters, without any treatment, are not recommended for human consumption according to the standards of the WHO.
KEYWORDS
Groundwater, physico-chemical quality, bacteriological quality.
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