Evaluating water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools of Bangladesh: progress toward SDG compliance

The availability of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools is essential for a healthy learning environment and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) 4 and 6. Despite its importance, comprehensive studies on drinking water quality, sanitation, and hygiene in schools...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of water and health 2024-10, Vol.22 (10), p.1942-1955
Main Authors: Karim, Md. Rezaul, Shariar, Sakib, Rahadujjaman, Md, Hasan, Rakibul, Islam, Md. Tanvirul, Faysal, Ashik, Khan, Munir Hayet, Khan, Md. Habibur Rahman Bejoy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Drinking water
E coli
Education
Evaluation
Health risks
Hygiene
Manganese
Questionnaires
Rural areas
Sanitation
Schools
Secondary education
Solid waste management
Solid wastes
Students
Sustainable development
Sustainable Development Goals
Toilets
Waste management
Water quality
Water supply
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The availability of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools is essential for a healthy learning environment and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) 4 and 6. Despite its importance, comprehensive studies on drinking water quality, sanitation, and hygiene in schools are scarce. This study explicitly assessed the WASH services and gaps in 43 educational institutions, located in Tongi, Bangladesh, through field and laboratory investigations. Thirteen physicochemical and bacteriological parameters were analyzed, and water quality was classified using an Integrated Water Quality Index (IWQI). Hygiene and sanitation were evaluated through observations and data from school administrators on water sources, toilets, handwashing facilities, and solid waste management. Results showed that WASH services exceeded the national average, but all schools had dangerously high Escherichia coli levels (mean: 43.95 CFU/100 mL) in drinking water, posing health risks. Additionally, 89.72% of samples showed elevated manganese levels, 35% had high iron, and 41.86% had increased conductivity. About 35% of water was unsuitable for drinking based on IWQI. Schools lacked the capacity to monitor WASH quality, especially drinking water. A strategic framework for safe WASH facilities is recommended. The findings can lead the policymakers to prioritize the improvements in WASH facilities for attaining SDG 6.
ISSN:1477-8920
1996-7829
DOI:10.2166/wh.2024.223