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Chemical and Microbial Quality of Groundwater in Siloam Village, Implications to Human Health and Sources of Contamination

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  • John Ogony Odiyo

    (Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Rachel Makungo

    (Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

Abstract

Due to inaccessibility of potable water, rural communities drill boreholes within their homesteads despite vulnerability to groundwater contamination and associated health risks. This study assessed the quality of groundwater, identified potential sources of contamination and potential human health risks in Siloam Village, South Africa. Statistical difference between similar water quality parameters at different sites was determined at a significance level (α) of 0.05. Water quality parameters with serious potential health effects on human beings were correlated with selected water quality parameters to understand the nature of correlation and possible sources of contamination. Fluorides and nitrates had excessively high concentrations associated with tooth damage and pronounced skeletal fluorosis, and methaemoglobinaemia in infants and mucous membrane irritation in adults, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between means of most water quality parameters. Contrasting correlation of fluoride with calcium and pH indicated the need to further identify local sources and fluoride control mechanisms. Correlation of nitrate with chloride mostly indicated that faecal contamination is the potential source of high nitrates in groundwater. This requires further verification. Presence of total coliforms and E. coli in most boreholes indicated potential presence of faecal contamination. The need to educate borehole owners’ on possible strategies to minimise groundwater pollution was identified.

Suggested Citation

  • John Ogony Odiyo & Rachel Makungo, 2018. "Chemical and Microbial Quality of Groundwater in Siloam Village, Implications to Human Health and Sources of Contamination," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:2:p:317-:d:131552
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ola Busari, 2008. "Groundwater in the Limpopo Basin: occurrence, use and impact," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 10(6), pages 943-957, December.
    2. I. M. Adekunle & M. T. Adetunji & A. M. Gbadebo & O. B. Banjoko, 2007. "Assessment of Groundwater Quality in a Typical Rural Settlement in Southwest Nigeria," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Lobina Palamuleni & Mercy Akoth, 2015. "Physico-Chemical and Microbial Analysis of Selected Borehole Water in Mahikeng, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-12, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Muhammad Asif Saeed & Ghulam Murtaza & Shafaqat Ali & Humera Aziz & Mohammed F. Albeshr & Shahid Mahboob & Irfan Manzoor & Zia Ur Rahman Farooqi & Muhammad Sabir & Hamaad Raza Ahmad & Ayesha Abdul Qad, 2022. "Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Associated Socio-Economic Impacts in Arid Mountainous Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Mohora Feida Malebatja & Mpata Mathildah Mokgatle, 2022. "Diarrhoea among Children Aged 5 Years and Microbial Drinking Water Quality Compliance: Trends Analysis Study in South Africa (2008–2018)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Wenwen Feng & Chao Wang & Xiaohui Lei & Hao Wang & Xueliang Zhang, 2020. "Distribution of Nitrate Content in Groundwater and Evaluation of Potential Health Risks: A Case Study of Rural Areas in Northern China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-14, December.
    4. John Ogony Odiyo & Mashudu Maxwell Mathoni & Rachel Makungo, 2020. "Health Risks and Potential Sources of Contamination of Groundwater Used by Public Schools in Vhuronga 1, Limpopo Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-15, September.

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