TITLE:
Anthropogenic Activities and the Degradation of the Environmental Quality in Poor Neighborhoods of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: Abia Koumassi Village
AUTHORS:
S. Loko, K. E. Ahoussi, Y. B. Koffi, A. M. Kouassi, J. Biémi
KEYWORDS:
Anthropogenic Activities; Environment; Pollution; Water Sanitation and Quality
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.4 No.10,
October
9,
2013
ABSTRACT:
This study deals with
the degradation of the quality of the water environment in the village of Abia Koumassi,
due to the pollution that has risen in Abidjan. The method used in this study is
based on piezometric measurements, the physico-chemical and microbiological analysis.
The results were processed using statistical and hydrochemical methods. The groundwater
in the village is shallow, with a piezometric average level 0.55 m. The groundwater
flows from the north of the village to the south. The Water resources have a neutral
pH that varies between 6.8 and 7.43. Water temperature varies from 27.7°C to 29.8°C.
The Water is highly mineralized,
with electrical conductivity ranging from 585 μS/cm to 1310 μS/cm. The groundwater
contains high levels of nitrate (116.81 mg·L-1) greater
than the WHO standard for drinking water. High levels of Metallic Trace Elements
(Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Pb, Fe, Cu and Cd) are found in the water. Microbiological analysis
shows that the water contains important levels of Escherichia coli, faecal streptococci,
Clostridium perfringens and thermo tolerant coliform. These microorganisms create
microbiological pollution in the water from the area. The Water resources of the
village are facing a recent faecal pollution of human origin. This pollution comes
from anthropogenic activities taking place in the area.