Physicochemical and metal quality evaluation of the ground water of the chief town of Sinthiou Malme Commune in Tambacounda (Senegal)

Abstract

In underdeveloped countries, particularly, medium rural areas, the subsoil waters constitute an invaluable resource. However, they remain fragile and vulnerable because of demographic pressure, uncontrolled exploitation of discharges, and absence of adequate cleansing system and husbandries. This present work aims to evaluate the physicochemical and metal quality waters of 10 wells collecting the ground water of Sinthiou Maléme commune. Results obtained by the spectrophotometric method showed that the waters are moderately mineralized, soft and acidic. Their average contents of salts (fluorides, chlorides and sulphates), minerals (calcium and magnesium) and nitrogen (ammonium, nitrites and nitrates) vary but remain in the optimum level recommended by WHO for drinking. It also revealed the presence and state of certain trace elements such as iron, copper and zinc. However, the parameters such as chromium hexavalent and phosphates ions respectively make these subsoil waters non-drinkable water. Thus, the development of a method for the efficient removal of hexavalent chromium in these waters is imperative.