Local Practices for Purification Rainwater in Kovié, a Rural Area of Lomé (Togo): Characterization and Health Risks

Abstract

Access to drinking water is a constant challenge for populations in arid soil areas, where local practices of collection and purification are developed. The objective of present study is to evaluate local practices of collection and water treatment by the population of Kovié. Our methodological approach is an investigation on the type of rainwater collected at home and the methods of its treatment. Water samples are taken for the analysis of physicochemical parameters and the content of Trace Elements (TME) using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Microbiological analysis did according to AFNOR standards. The results show that 88% of households consume runoff rainwater compared to 12% who intercept it from the roof by a system.  65.91% of households use chemical products whom 41% prefer mothballs (naphthalene) and 3.41% plants for clarification of runoff rainwater. The physicochemical parameters indicate that rainwater is rich in Na+ and K+ and an absence of potentially toxic TME (Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+). Analysis on Total Coliforms, Escherichia coli and Sulfite-Reducing Anaerobic Bacteria revealed a high contamination of the water with 37 CFU/ml Total Coliforms for that of the roof. It can be concluded that runoff rainwater is the main source of water supply in the canton of Kovié. In addition, the use of mothballs for its potabilization constitutes the main practices for purification; which could a public health risk to the Kovié community.