TITLE:
Impact of COVID-19 Response Measures on Physicochemical Parameters of Surface Waters in Yaoundé City
AUTHORS:
Marie Christine Tombedi, Serge Eteme Enama, Georgia Elna Ambada Ndzengue, Lucie Leme Banock, Claudine Ntsama Essomba
KEYWORDS:
COVID-19, Environmental Health, Watercourses, Physicochemical Parameters, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
31,
2025
ABSTRACT: The widespread use of disinfectants and various medications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about their potential impact on the characteristics of natural waters. To assess the effect of the COVID-19 response on surface waters in Yaoundé, various physicochemical parameters of three rivers (Mfoundi, Tongolo, and Mingoa) were examined over 8 months. The selection of these rivers was based on their proximity to hospitals involved in COVID-19 patient management. Physico-chemical parameters were measured following standard protocols, and their spatiotemporal variations and the influence of various factors, were examined. The results revealed that, during the study period, the values for temperature (23˚C to 30˚C), dissolved oxygen (14% to 90%), pH (6.2 to 9.5), electrical conductivity (100 to 662 µS/cm), oxidability (0.19 to 42.19 mg/l), and suspended solids (1 to 725 mg/l) exhibited variations, except for total dissolved solids (30 to 470 mg/l), whose levels remained within the recommended limit (s = 0.812, P = 0.014) with oxidability levels in the Tongolo river. The COVID-19 response measures had a limited negative effect on the surface waters of Yaoundé during the study period. This could be attributed to the disproportionate application of hygiene measures among the city’s populations. Additionally, the lack of flow observed in certain rivers requires particular attention from authorities and the populations to safeguard the city’s ecosystems.