Abstract:
Water samples collected from the boreholes in Tafo-Akim were analysed for
groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking. The purpose of the study is to
determine the quality and hence the health implications of borehole water in Tafo-
Akim in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Two sets of samples were taken from each of
the four boreholes, Site 1-4, were analysed. One set of samples were taken in the dry
season while the other was taken in the raining (wet) season. Major heavy metals,
physicochemical and microbial parameters of drinking water were used as quality
indicator. All instruments and methods (spectrophotometer, comparator, titrimetric
and plate count method) used in this study are based on international standard
recommendation, availability, proximity to the laboratory and cost involved. The
results obtained from the water samples analysed shows that, all physical parameters
analysed except pH, conductivity, colour and turbidity, are within the WHO’s
standard for drinking water. Heavy metal concentrations observed are also within the
WHO’s standard for drinking water except for iron at Site 3. All values obtained for
phosphate are outside the WHO’s standard for drinking water while all other chemical
parameters are within the standard. Values observed for microbial analysis are
unacceptable considering the WHO’s guidelines for drinking water. Statistical
comparison of results obtained in the dry and raining season using one way ANOVA
shows no significant difference for all parameters measured. The level of probability
at which significant difference existed between the groups was set at p<0.05 at 95%
confidence level. It was concluded that, water at Site 1 is fairly good for drinking
while those at Site 2, 3 and 4 are unacceptable. Some form of treatment and
monitoring needs to be done on boreholes in the community.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Chemistry Education Faculty of Science Education, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Chemistry Education) in the University of Education, Winneba
MARCH, 2022