Physicochemical and microbiological quality of spring water consumed by the inhabitants of the districts of Madibou in Brazzaville, Republic of CONGO

Abstract

The quality of spring waters in the district of MADIBOU located south of Brazzaville was evaluated by physicochemical and microbiological parameters measured in situ or in the laboratory. The waters from all springs studied are cleared and did not present an unpleasant smell. The survey conducted among the population in the study area showed that 70.5 to 85.33% of the inhabitants use spring water. The water springs directly from the surface of the ground through an opening made by the inhabitants of the district and appropriate containers are placed at this outlet to collect water which they use without any prior treatment. After sampling the spring water, several analytical methods were used to determine the different parameters. The results of these analyzes show that from a physicochemical quality, these waters are acidic with pH values which are not in the pH range of drinking water and contain amount of nitrates that largely exceed WHO standards, which constitutes a danger for the population that consumes these waters. On the microbiological level, we note the presence of total germs and total coliforms, and the absence of faecal coliforms. The consumption of this water without prior treatment is therefore not recommended ; before using this water, specific treatments must be carried out, for example pH correction with calcium hydroxide and disinfection with sodium hypochlorite.