11:55 AM - 12:10 PM
[AHW23-05] Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Etome Spring for Potable Water Bottling in Batoke, South West Region, Cameroon.
Keywords:Freshwater resources, quantity, quality, spring, discharge rate
Almost every corner of the Mount Cameroon region is endowed with spring water sources which are facing depletion as a result of lack of poor water management approaches. There is a conflict between village dwellers and private individuals coming to exploit freshwater resources for commercialization around the Mount Cameroon region. Hence, this study aimed to (1) establish the discharge rate of the Etome spring water source; (2) assess the physico-chemical parameters of the spring water source; and (3) evaluate the microbial contaminants found in this spring water source.
Field work carried out involved measurement of physical parameters (pH, Electrical conductivity and water temperature), collection of spring water samples for laboratory analysis and climatic data from the CDC Mokodange Topline Weather Station. Graphs, bar charts, regression analysis and descriptive statistics of Climatic data, Total coliform counts and physical parameters were analyzed using 2010 Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 21; while water type determined using Pipers trillinear diagrams and Stiff plots with the help of Rockwork software version 15. It was observed from the results that all the physico-chemical parameters and major ions were within the WHO (2004) range and the spring flows throughout the year. The water type in the area was: CaHCO3 (90%). The major ions of the spring water source were within the WHO (2004) guideline values for drinking water. The relative abundance of cations and anions for the spring were as follows: Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ >K+ and HCO3- >SO42- >NO3- >Cl -; based on the total coliform counts, all water samples analyzed showed detectable numbers of bacteria. It was recommended that further research be carried out on why electrical conductivity increases with an increase in water quantity. The outcome of this study led to the creation of new enterprises at the Etisah unit such as a commercial water bottling unit, fish ponds as well as water supply to Etisah hotel and some neighbourhoods in Limbe II local council.
Field work carried out involved measurement of physical parameters (pH, Electrical conductivity and water temperature), collection of spring water samples for laboratory analysis and climatic data from the CDC Mokodange Topline Weather Station. Graphs, bar charts, regression analysis and descriptive statistics of Climatic data, Total coliform counts and physical parameters were analyzed using 2010 Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 21; while water type determined using Pipers trillinear diagrams and Stiff plots with the help of Rockwork software version 15. It was observed from the results that all the physico-chemical parameters and major ions were within the WHO (2004) range and the spring flows throughout the year. The water type in the area was: CaHCO3 (90%). The major ions of the spring water source were within the WHO (2004) guideline values for drinking water. The relative abundance of cations and anions for the spring were as follows: Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ >K+ and HCO3- >SO42- >NO3- >Cl -; based on the total coliform counts, all water samples analyzed showed detectable numbers of bacteria. It was recommended that further research be carried out on why electrical conductivity increases with an increase in water quantity. The outcome of this study led to the creation of new enterprises at the Etisah unit such as a commercial water bottling unit, fish ponds as well as water supply to Etisah hotel and some neighbourhoods in Limbe II local council.