Author(s): Chun Lei Zhang; Philip Nti Nkrumah; Josephine Osei-Kwarteng
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Groundwater; Faecal sludge; Contamination; Coliform; Treatment
Abstract: Excretion of food wastes from the human body is part of life and an inevi table process. All across the globe, varying volumes of faecal matter is produced every day depending on the food type, culture of people, habits, among others. In Ghana, the problem of managing this type of wastes has been a burden. Sadly, this environmental issue has raised more concerns especially in relation to groundwater pollution. Most waters that have been tested have been reported to contain disturbingly high concentrations of faecal coliforms and other forms of bacteria which render the groundwater unsafe for drinking purposes. This mostly results from the indiscriminate dumping of faecal sludge into drains, and into the oceans for those residing near the coastal areas. The objective of this study was to examine the impacts of improper management and treatment of faecal sludge on the groundwater system, and the possible dangers and risks they can pose to human health and other lives. The factors that encouraged the severity of contamination in the underground water systems were found to include the geological formation of soil, precipitation, terrain characteristics, etc., and the risk assessment plan for mitigating these effects were discussed.
Year: 2013