Comparative study of the physicochemical quality of water of wells and drilling consumed in the commune of Sinthiou Maléme in the area of Tambacounda (Senegal)

Abstract

In Senegal, the majority of the regions are not served by the drinking water supply networks. The phenomenon is more pronounced in rural areas, particularly in Sinthiou Maléme commune. For example, communities living in these areas often use well water and borehole. This work has been undertaken to evaluate the physicochemical quality of the water resources consumed by these populations. A total of 24 water samples were taken from the single borehole and 02 publics wells, let be 8 samples per source of water. To assess the quality of these different sources, the physical parameters (electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids and hardness) and chemical parameters (F-, SO42-, PO43-, Fe and NO2-) were analyzed by the photometric method. The results obtained show that, from the physical point of view, drilling water is highly mineralized, slightly hard and has a basic tendency, unlike wells. Chemical analysis shows that well waters are heavily loaded with phosphate ions and nitrites. Based on the parameters analyzed, the quality of the drilling water is chemically acceptable. Studies on the elements of metallic traces will be envisaged to better assess the quality of this drinking water.