Sanitation and waste management practices and possible implications on groundwater quality in peri‑urban areas, Doba and Nayagenia, northeastern Ghana

Abstract

Access to potable water, proper sanitation, and hygiene have become global concerns. The study assessed sanitation and waste management practices and the possible implications on groundwater quality in Doba and Nayagnia. The data were elicited from 240 households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Besides, 10 composite groundwater (boreholes and well) samples were collected for total coliform and E. coli analyses. The data was analyzed using cross-tabulation and descriptive statistical tools using the R software. The study showed that there was a strong relationship (P < 0.001) between the respondents' perceptions of the importance of sanitation and their levels of education. Also, there was a significant relationship (P < 0.001) between the availability of household toilets and income levels. The availability of household waste receptacles was statistically significant with income levels (P = 0.006) and subscriptions for commercial waste collection (P = 0.009). Open defecation was influenced by inconveniently sited (P = 0.004) and poorly maintained public toilets (P = 0.009). About 73% of the households relied on boreholes as their major source of water. However, all the groundwater sources contained loads of enteric bacteria. The results of the Friedman test were significant based on an alpha value of 0.05, χ2 (2) = 8.86, p = 0.012 for total coliform and χ2 (2) = 7.80, p = 0.020 for E. coli. Generally, the communities practiced unimproved sanitation practices which may pose potential effects on public health. Alongside environmental health education, the provision of toilets and waste collection receptacles will address the environmental challenges discussed in this study .