Influence of Anthropogenic Activities of Groundwater from Hand Dug Wells within the Precarious Settlements of Southern Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: Case of the Slums of Anoumabo (Marcory) and Adjouffou (Port-Bouët)

• Published in: Journal of water resource and protection 2013-04, Vol.5 (4), p.427-439
• Main Authors: Osemwegie, Isimemen, Oga, Yéi Mairie-Solange, Ahoussi, Kouassi Ernest, Koffi, Yao Blaise, Kouassi, Amani Michel, Biémi, Jean
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1945-3094; 1945-3108
• DOI: 10.4236/jwarp.2013.54042

This study aims to examine the quality and quantity of the groundwater resources from hand-dug wells, within two of these slums -- Anoumabo and Adjouffou, both located in the southern part of the city. Twenty-eight representative groundwater samples were collected from different domestic wells within the study area. In addition, water samples were collected from the adjoining surface water bodies -- the Ebrie lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The water samples were also tested for microbial indicators of fecal contamination using the conventional membrane filtration method. Although, majority of the water samples have anions and cations concentrations conforming to the World Health Organization, alerting levels of nitrate contamination was recorded in the area. About 67% of the tested samples have nitrate values greater than the recommended WHO limit for drinking water. The water wells located within Anoumabo have relatively higher levels of groundwater contaminants in comparison to those located within Adjouffou.