Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Dr Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa, Ghana.
2
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Sustainable Engineering, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
3
Department of Clinical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
4
College of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Abstract
Bachground: Access to safe drinking water is vital for public health, yet water sources in many developing countries, including Ghana, are often contaminated. This study assessed physicochemical properties of water samples from various sources in Ghana's Volta Region against WHO recommendations.Methodology: A cross-sectional study collected 104 water samples from wells, taps, boreholes, streams, and rainwater in Ho and surroundings from September 2021 to September 2022. Analyzed parameters included pH, total suspended and dissolved solids, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, fluoride, alkalinity, hardness, calcium, and magnesium.Results: 78.8% of samples were moderate to very hard. Median ammonia (46.2381 mg/L) and phosphate (12.2437 mg/L) levels exceeded WHO recommendations. 38.46% of samples had fluoride concentrations above WHO limits. Seasonal variations showed higher ammonia and phosphate levels during the dry season.Conclusion: Elevated ammonia, phosphate, fluoride, and elevated water hardness levels highlight the need for effective water treatment and management. Seasonal variations emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and targeted interventions. These findings inform evidence-based decision-making for public health interventions in the region.
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