Physicochemical and Microbial Quality of Rainwater Treated with Mothballs and Elaeis guineensis (Jacq) in Local Water Purification Practices in Kovié (Lomé/Togo)

Mothballs and Elaeis guineensis (Jacq) leaves are substances for the purification of runoff rainwater by the population of Kovié. The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of water treated with mothballs and the aqueous extract of Elaeis guineensis (Jacq) leaves over a period of one month. The physicochemical parameters, the content of trace elements (TMEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured respectively using a multi-parameter, a GCMS MP-AES microwave plasma atomic absorption and atomic emission spectrophotometer. The microbiological analysis was carried out according to AFNOR standards. It appears that the treatment with Mothballs reduced turbidity by 97.14%, without the addition of potentially toxic TME. The concentrations of PAHs present decreased by 88.76% after one month, with a total disappearance of naphthalene. Mothballs (naphtalene) demonstrated progressive antimicrobial potential over time against total coliforms, Escherichia coli and anaerobic sulfite-reducing bacteria. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Elaeis guineensis (Jacq) leaves indicated the presence of tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. It exhibits more effective antimicrobial activity than mothballs after 24 hours. It is concluded that immediate consumption of water treated with mothballs to 24 hours is a source of toxicity. Elaeis guineensis (Jacq) leaves could be an alternative to chemical disinfectants in water purification.