TITLE:
Microbiological Quality Assessment of Drinking Water in Lalo Commune, Benin (West Africa)
AUTHORS:
Roch Christian Johnson, Gratien Boni, Hermione Amoukpo, Yves Barogui, Gabriel Diez, Didier Agossadou, Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh, Michel Boko
KEYWORDS:
Benin, Lalo, Microbiological Pollution, Water Treatment
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.8 No.8,
July
20,
2016
ABSTRACT: Although drinking water is readily available in Benin, its quality
presents a public health concern. The district of Ahomadégbé in the commune of
Lalo is characterized by several artesian wells. Unfortunately, anthropogenic
factors negatively affect the drinking water quality in this area. The aim of
this research was to study the microbiological quality of drinking water in the
Ahomadégbé district, and to review household water treatment methods employed
by the local population. Thirty-five water samples were taken—at water collection
points, at selected points along the water transportation system and from water
storage facilities, and microbiological parameters were measured. Qualitative data
were collected via in-depth interviews with key informants regarding local
household water treatment methods. Results reveal that there is a significant
degree of microbiological pollution of drinking water in this district,
particularly during the water transportation and storage stages where
microbiological pollution exceeds levels approved by the World Health Organization.
Local residents are familiar with several household water treatment methods.
However, these methods are inconsistently applied, which limits their
effectiveness. In addition to improving the quality of the drinking water
resource itself, it is important to set up interventions relating to water
treatment methods in local households.