Monitoring the Physico-Chemical Quality of the Davo River (South-West of Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

The Davo River, an affluent of the Sassandra River, like other rivers in Côte d’Ivoire, is subject to anthropogenic activities likely to deteriorate its quality which could affect its use as drinking water and also the health of aquatic organisms. This study aims at monitoring the temporal evolution of the physico-chemical quality of the waters of the Davo River at the Dakpadou hydrometric station. Twelve monthly field missions were carried out to sample water, measure temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity and analyse turbidity, Suspended solids, major elements (Cl-, NO3-,HCO3-, SO42-, Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, and K+) and Trace Metallic Elements (Hg, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb). Results show that the waters of the Davo river are poorly mineralized. They are also acidic during periods of low water and slightly basic during flooding periods. The average turbidity value of 10.18 NTU places these waters in the slightly turbid class. The waters have calcic bicarbonate facies during low water periods and sodium bicarbonate facies with low concentrations of major elements during flood months. The average TME concentrations of the Davo river indicate that the waters are not harmful for the health of the population and the aquatic environment.