The study of water sources used by the population of Ndian for drinking with the exception of the Ekondo Titi beach was carried out by investigating 51 water sources. Due to the lack of pipe borne water in this area, the population is compelled to consume water from unprotected shallow aquifers and surface water sources, there by exposing the population to infections form of water borne diseases. In this perspective, the present study was aimed to check the suitability of these water sources for drinking. The bacteriological quality of the water sources was performed using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were also determined. The pH values reflect slightly acidic, neutral and basic water sources. Sixty percent (60%) of the ground water samples where slightly acidic (5.5 – 6.4) and out of the WHO (2011) guideline limit (6.5-8.5) for drinking water. This situation puts the inhabitants at risk to stomach ulcer. The electrical conductivity values (3.00-274 us/cm) for groundwater sources represents water experiencing slight mineralization. Based on the total coliform bacteria, 96% of water sources were polluted to grossly polluted (75-2400 MPN/100 ml) and 4 % excellent following the acceptable maximum limits prescribed by the World Health Organization Standards which exposes the population to water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery. The bacteria contamination of the water sources may result from the waste of pit toilets that intersect the water tables of shallow unconfined aquifers and also from poor sanitation practices carried out along stream channels and springs. Proper water treatment at household levels is highly recommended.
Ndian- Cameroon, contamination, drinking water, total coliforms, unconfined aquifers
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development - IJTSRD having
online ISSN 2456-6470. IJTSRD is a leading Open Access, Peer-Reviewed International
Journal which provides rapid publication of your research articles and aims to promote
the theory and practice along with knowledge sharing between researchers, developers,
engineers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world in many areas
like Sciences, Technology, Innovation, Engineering, Agriculture, Management and
many more and it is recommended by all Universities, review articles and short communications
in all subjects. IJTSRD running an International Journal who are proving quality
publication of peer reviewed and refereed international journals from diverse fields
that emphasizes new research, development and their applications. IJTSRD provides
an online access to exchange your research work, technical notes & surveying results
among professionals throughout the world in e-journals. IJTSRD is a fastest growing
and dynamic professional organization. The aim of this organization is to provide
access not only to world class research resources, but through its professionals
aim to bring in a significant transformation in the real of open access journals
and online publishing.