Bacteriological and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Bathing Waters of Agroville Town: A Case of Agnéby River and Moutcho River

Abstract

BACKGROUND The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aim to improve the health and well-being of the population, as well as the expansion of universal access to drinking water and sanitation by 2030. It is in this perspective that this study aimed to characterize the bathing waters of the rivers of Moutcho and those of Agneby in Agboville town. MATERIALS AND METHODS The methodology consisted of conducting eight water sampling campaigns during the twelve consecutive months from December 2017 to November 2018. On these samples, the classical physicochemical parameters were determined by electrochemical, and colourimetric methods and microbiological analysis was carried out by the membrane filtration technique. RESULTS The results showed a low level of chemical mineralization in these waters. River water was distinguished from the other by higher levels of turbidity, colour, sulphate, phosphate, sulphur, and phosphorus and low levels of conductivity, temperature, sodium, and magnesium. Microbiologically, the water of the Agnéby River was of 100% satisfactory quality as per the Ivorian standards. However, it was not in compliance with other international standards (Algerian, Canadian, American, WHO and European). The Moutcho River was more polluted than the Agnéby River and the water quality was inadequate for swimming. CONCLUSION The waters of the Moucho and Agneby rivers were unsuitable for bathing. Health surveillance must be carried out continuously in these waters to preserve the health of the community.