Impact of Pit Latrines on Groundwater in Some Selected Towns in the Tano Districts
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Date
2012-07-18
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Abstract
In resource-poor and low-population-density areas, on-site sanitation is preferred to off-site
sanitation and groundwater is the main source of water for domestic uses. Groundwater
pollution potential from on-site sanitation in such areas conflicts with Integrated Water
Resources Management (IWRM) principles that advocate for sustainable use of water
resources. Given the widespread use of groundwater for domestic purposes, maintaining
groundwater quality is a critical livelihood intervention.
This study assessed impacts of pit latrines on groundwater quality in some selected towns in
the Tano districts, Ghana. Groundwater samples from 5 boreholes and 10 hand dug wells
were analyzed during 4 sampling campaigns, in the latter part of March, 2011 and part of
November, 2011. Parameters analyzed were total and faecal coliforms, E coli, Samonella,
Enterococci, both for boreholes and hand dug wells. Depth from the ground surface to the
water table for the seasons, dry and wet was determined for all sampling points using a tape
measure. Soil from the monitoring wells was classified as clayey. The soil infiltration layer
was taken as the layer between the pit latrine bottom and the water table. A questionnaire
survey revealed the prevalence of diarrhoea .Results indicated that pit latrines were
microbiologically impacting on groundwater quality even at 44.7m lateral distance.
Salmonella were of no immediate threat to health. The shallow water table increased
pollution potential from pit latrines. Raised and lined pit latrines and other low-cost technologies should be considered to minimize potential of groundwater pollution.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Environmental Science).