Evaluation of the Influence of Some Abiotic Factors on the Microbiological Quality of Groundwater in Soa Sub-division, Cameroon, Africa

Abstract

Groundwater samples were collected during April and August 2016 from five hand-dug wells in Soa subdivision, Cameroon, Africa, with the aim to assess the microbiological quality of them and the health risk they (it) posed to the population in the study area. The low piezometric levels (9 – 20 m) and the little variation in curb-stone heights (0.58 – 1.05 m) suggest that the wells are vulnerable to pollution. The physicochemical parameters show that the groundwater of Soa is acidic and poorly mineralized. The residents (population that is) dominated by students are not connected to the supply of water, making them to take recourse to groundwater for potable and general domestic use. Bacteriological analysis of the water samples focused on the search and listing of heterotrophic mesophilic aerobic bacteria (HAMB). Also, bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family were isolated, identified and listed (Escherichia, Klebsiella, Shigella, Citrobacter, Providencia). The analyses were carried out through standard, selective and conventional gallery culture media, using surface spreading, streaking and sub-culturing techniques. Different ions were also measured for the physicochemical component according to the usual analytical techniques. The low values of oxidability recorded clearly indicated the organic pollution of the study area. The organic matter was found largely influencing the increase in bacterial load (which is high and varied). The presence of these germs degrades the quality of the water, which varies from one site to the other, with the important factors being the proximity of the sources of pollution to the well and its poor maintenance. As local populations are using these ground waters without any prior treatment, they are prone to health risks over the period time.