Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters of Water Used in Schools of the Department of Man (Côte d’Ivoire)

Drinking water remains a major challenge for developing countries. These populations do not always have access to drinking water due to its unavailability and high cost, so they resort to well and river water to meet their needs. The aim of this study is to determine the sources of water used by schools and primary school groups in the Department of Man in Côte d’Ivoire and their physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. Field visits and surveys allowed the observation of various water supply sources. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses of the water were also carried out. The study showed that the majority of water supply sources are school wells (60%). In terms of physicochemical parameters, the pH of the water, with the exception of the Badouel school group, is below 6.5, the reference value. Most well water is acidic. The electrical conductivity of water varies between 16 and 384 µS/cm. The water in the Fagnampleu, Badouel, Kpangouin, Zélé, EPP 2B Sangouiné, Plateau and Zagoué schools is turbid, with values above the threshold value (5 NTU). Ammonium concentration in all water complies with who requirements. The well water from all the schools contained total coliforms (4 - 100 CFU/100 mL) and E. coli germs (1 - 45 CFU/100mL). However, the total coliform counts of 8, 4 and 5 CFU/100mL in the water from the Kricouma school group, EPP 2 & 3 (Podiagouiné) and the Plateau school group, respectively, were below the WHO requirement. Inexpensive treatment should be considered to make the water potable before consumption.