KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KUMASI

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

FACULTY OF BIOSCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Assessment of the Physico-chemical and Microbial Quality of Underground Water in the

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Community and its Environs,

Ghana

By:

Joseph Owiredu

Mphil. Environmental Science

(Add your index number)

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1.0 Background

According to Fei-Baffoe, 2022; pollution, broadly speaking, is the introduction of

materials into the environment that are either harmful to the ecosystem or to human

health, or that prevent the environment from being used for its intended purposes. Among

these vast and varied uses are those for economic, social, cultural, and artistic goals.

Additionally, pollution is the presence of undesirable materials in any part of the

environment, primarily as a result of human operations discharging waste materials, by-

products, or dangerous secondary products that are harmful to people and other living

things (Santra, 2001). There are four types of causes of pollution: the pollutants

themselves, the means of transportation (air, water, or direct dumping onto land), and the

targets, which include ecosystems, particular animals like people, and buildings.

Depending on the media impacted and the type of pollutant, there are various types of

pollution, including water, air, soil, energy (thermal and noise), and radioactivity (Fei-

Baffoe, 2022).

On the other hand, environmental pollution refers to the existence of pollutants or

pollution-causing agents that have an immediate impact on the environment. Overfishing,

deforestation, and volcanic eruptions are just a few examples of both natural and human-

caused factors that can contribute to it (Fei-Baffoe, 2022). Environmental pollution's

severe long-term repercussions are now acknowledged as a worldwide problem that

demands care. Environmental contamination is currently a problem for both developed

and developing countries. Urbanization, industrialization, abuse of natural resources, and

rapid population growth all play a role in these problems. Even if these activities are

advantageous for human development and wellbeing, they also contaminate the

environment and worsen our quality of life by producing and releasing harmful pollutants

into it (Singh and Dev, 2010).

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Water pollution, also known as aquatic pollution, is the contamination of water bodies,

typically brought on by human activity, which has a detrimental impact on the uses of the

water. Because bacterial waterborne diseases can spread, contaminated drinking water

was largely considered as a threat to public health. It still is in less developed nations and

pretty much everywhere during times of conflict. Due to advancements in water transport

and treatment, bacterial contamination has all but disappeared in wealthier countries.

Most surface water pollution is harmful to aquatic life and may have an adverse impact

on human health, particularly when people come into contact with the water. There are a

number of hazardous chemicals that can contaminate groundwater and pose a serious

threat to human health (Peirce et al., 1997;4th.ed.).

The two types of water pollutants are point source and nonpoint source, with the former

include all pollutants from dry weather that enter watercourses through pipes or channels.

Even though water may reach watercourses through pipelines or channels, storm drainage

is still regarded as a nonpoint source of pollution. Runoff from farms, building sites, and

other land disturbances are additional nonpoint sources of pollution. Municipal

wastewater treatment facilities and industrial facilities are the principal sources of point

source pollution. Only what is poured down the drain, including compounds that require

oxygen, municipal wastewater, agricultural waste, and other trash, determines the extent

of the pollution (Peirce et al., 1997; 4th.ed.).

Groundwater contains naturally occurring bacteria, the majority of which are not harmful

to people or other animals. Disease outbreaks can only happen when pathogens are

prevalent in water sources. Groundwater conditions are favourable for bacterial growth

and survival and may allow harmful organisms to persist for a long time (Murray et al.,

2004). Pit latrines, improper sewage discharges and spills, landfill leachate, and

agricultural activities like intensive dairy, beef, and sheep farming are also sources of

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 bacterial pollution. It might also happen as a result of aquifers being recharged (naturally

or artificially) by dirty water sources (Crowther et al., 2002; Howard et al., 2003; Murray

et al., 2004; Field & Samadpour, 2007). Bacterial pollution can also be caused by pit

latrines, improper sewage spills and discharges, landfill leachate, and agricultural

practices such intensive dairy, beef, and sheep husbandry. It might also occur as a result

of contaminated water sources naturally or intentionally replenishing aquifers (Flynn &

Sinreich, 2010).

An important global issue, diarrheal illness is frequently brought on by waterborne

microorganisms. Human health continues to be seriously threatened by poor water

quality. An estimated 1.8 million people each year pass away from diarrheal disease,

which accounts for 4.1% of the world's overall disease burden (WHO, 2004). The

majority of this burden—88%—falls on children in poorer nations and is caused by poor

sanitation, hygiene, and access to clean water. Every year, diarrhoea claims the lives of 2

million children under the age of five. Poor sanitation and the use of hazardous drinking

water are to blame for the majority of these diarrheal illnesses (CDC, 2004c). In

impoverished nations, a lack of access to clean water and sanitary facilities is a factor in

diarrheal morbidity and death (Garret et al., 2008). According to WHO estimates, 38% of

Kenyans did not have access to clean drinking water in 2002. However, this figure rises

to 54% when solely considering rural areas (WHO, 2004).

Therefore, this study seeks to assess the physico-chemical and microbial quality of

underground water in KNUST community and its environs.

2.0 Statement of problem

Numerous studies have been done worldwide to ascertain the level of contaminations of

groundwater. A study found that total coliform, fecal coliform and fecal streptococci

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concentrations were 3(5.8%), 9(17.3%) and 4(7.7%) respectively which were above

WHO and Ethiopian standards which rendered the waters unsafe for drinking.

Additionally, Ethiopia is one of the countries with poor sanitation, social services and

water scarcity which make a lot of citizens depend on well water which are contaminated.

As such, the citizens turn to suffer from water-borne and related diseases(Temesgen and

Hameed, 2015).Another study showed that out of 36 districts within Punjab-Pakistan, 17

were found to be polluted with trace metals in the underground water. The underground

waters had total dissolved solid which were out of range (66.7% samples) and did not

meet the WHO recommended limits. Thirteen (13) districts had their underground waters

contaminated with E. coli, Salmonella spp. And Pseudomonas spp. Only 6 groundwater

samples were found potable according to WHO limits. The study reported that 11 districts

were found not to be within the WHO limit in the case of bicarbonates while phosphate

levels were exceeded in 7 districts, fluoride limit was exceeded in five (5) districts, and

calcium limit was exceeded in eight (8) districts. The results of the study showed how

polluted the underground waters have been. Water-borne diseases are prevalent in these

districts coupled with the burden of high cost infrastructure and transportation facilities,

making the this problem persist (Ammara and M., 2014). The majority of people in

Nigeria lack access to clean water, thus they must utilize water from wells, streams, and

rivers for residential purposes. No samples met bacteriological standards, according to

research done to evaluate the physico-chemical and bacterial quality of well water, stream

water, and river water used for drinking and swimming. Total coliform counts typically

exceeded 1,600 MPN/ml, and pathogen counts like Salmonella-Shigella counts and

Vibrio cholerae counts were very high.(Shittu et al., 2008). Western Niger's scenario is

quite similar despite different circumstances. In and around the settlement of Bonkoukou,

water samples were taken from wells, boreholes, and small drinking water supply systems

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 (DWS). The overall water quality was evaluated using various physico-chemical

parameters using the Water Quality Index (WQI) instrument. The samples displayed

higher degrees of mineralization and deoxygenation in areas where the pH was adequate.

The samples were generally slightly hard, chlorinated, and sulfurated, but they were also

quite alkaline and included nitrate and nitrite ions that were 2–16 times greater than WHO

guidelines. WQI usage demonstrates that the DWS samples are safe for drinking. The

percentage of samples from boreholes that are unfit for drinking is greater (41%) than the

percentage of samples from wells (25%), with samples from wells being the most

polluted (58.5%) compared to those collected from boreholes (53%). Additionally, the

presence of total germs in the water in this region indicated bacteriological

contamination.(Adamou et al., 2020).

In Ghana, national companies in charge of drinking water supply are limited. To

compensate this gap, water is supplied in townships and villages, like the study sites

chosen for this research through wells, boreholes and small drinking water supply

systems (DWS). Many children, students and adults within the KNUST and its

surrounding environs suffer water-borne diseases in the midst of low-economic status and

lack of proper social services. Hence, there is the need for this research to be conducted.

3.0 Objectives

3.1 Aim:

To assess the physico-chemical and microbial quality of underground water in

KNUST community and its environs.

3.2 Specific Objectives:

1.To assess the physico-chemical quality of underground water.

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 2.To enumerate the levels of microbial contamination in the boreholes and wells using

total viable count, yeast and mold as well as total and fecal coliform count.

3.To identify microorganisms associated with the boreholes of halls of KNUST

campus and those of the surrounding environs.

4. To identify similarities and variation of microbial species found with boreholes and

wells on KNUST community and the environs.

5. To identify control measures that should be implemented or strengthened to

improve or prevent further deterioration of water quality in the study areas.

4.0 Methodology

4.1 Study Area

The study will be done at the KNUST community and other surrounding communities

(state the specific communities) in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. The analysis of the

samples will be done at the Water quality laboratory, KNUST (change and write the

exact place you will do the analysis) located at ………….

PLEASE SPECIFICALLY STATE AND ADD A LITTLE DESCRIPTION OF THE

GEOGRAPHY OF OTHER COMMUNITY(ies) YOU MAY SELECT.

4.2. Sampling, sample collection and preparation

10-20 groundwater samples will be obtained from wells and groundwater at the study

sites at average depth of 25-35m, from the period of April to June, 2023.The water

samples will be collected into sterile bottles (1.5-5L) and stored, transported at

temperature less than 4oC. Analyses will be done at the laboratory (which laboratory?)

4.3 Analyses of Samples

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 The physico-chemical and microbiological parameters would be monitored using

available techniques.

4.3.1 Physico-Chemical Analyses

Ground waters and well will be analyzed for pH, conductivity, Total Dissolved

Salts(TDS) with a pH, conductivity, and ion-selective meter. Nitrate ion, hardness

tests and chloride test will be measured as well using available test instrument.

4.3.2 Microbial analyses

Total and fecal coliform counts as well as yeast count will be done using appropriate

media and reagents under required temperature conditions and read or counted.

4.4. Statistical Analyses

Quantitative data on the microbial counts obtained from the study will be subjected to

analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS software. Difference between means was

compared using the least significant difference test at a confidence interval of 95%.

Statistical methods (ANOVA and correlation coefficient) will be performed in order

to compare the concentration of the bacteriological and physicochemical parameters

in the wells.

5.0 Expected Outcome

Results from this study upon completion, would expose the specific microbes in the

groundwater and wells and provide a basis for disease prevention among inhabitants

and users of the water source. Secondly, the results of this study will contribute to

existing knowledge and provide information aimed at informing policy makers and

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 major stakeholders on groundwater and dug-well water quality within the study areas.

The state of the water would be expected to improve while promoting the health of

users.

6.0 Work plan and budget

6.1 Work plan

PROJECT NAME PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT

DURATION START END

DATE DATE

Assessment of the Physico-chemical 7 months 01/02/2023 30/08/2023

and Microbial Quality of Underground

Water in the Kwame Nkrumah

University of Science and Technology

Community and its Environs, Ghana

Task Description Task Start Date End date Submission

duration date

Proposal Writing 3 weeks 01/02/23 19/02/23 20/02/23

Writing of Chapter 1 and 2 6 weeks Fill with Clean and Clean and

preferred fill fill

dates

Data collection 4 weeks

Analysis of Results 3 weeks

Discussion 3 weeks

Conclusion and Recommendation 2 weeks

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6.2 Proposed budget

Activity Costs (¢)

Transportation Clean and fill

Laboratory analysis Clean and fill

Stationery Clean and fill

YOU CAN ADD

ADD

Sub-Total A

Sub-Total B

Grand Total

References

Adamou, H. et al. (2020) ‘Physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater in a

rural area of Western Niger: A case study of Bonkoukou’, Journal of Water and Health,
18(1), pp. 77–90. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2020.082.
Ammara, H. and M., N. (2014) ‘Microbiological and physicochemical assessments of
groundwater quality at Punjab, Pakistan’, African Journal of Microbiology Research, 8(28),
pp. 2672–2681. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5897/ajmr2014.6701.
Centers for Diseases Control. (2004c).
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm

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Crowther, J., Kay, D. & Wyer, M.D. (2002). Faecal-indicator concentrations in waters
draining lowland pastoral catchments in the UK: relationships with land use and farming
practices. Water Research, 36: 1725-1734.

Fei-Baffoe, B (2022) ‘Lecture 1: Pollution control’, lecture notes, environmental pollution

and control ENVS561, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, delivered
03 March 2022.

Field, K.G. & Samadpour, M. (2007) ‘Fecal source tracking, the indicator paradigm, and
managing water quality’. Water Research, 41: 3517-3538.

Flynn, R.M. & Sinreich, M. (2010) ‘Characterisation of virus transport and attenuation in
epikarts using short pulse and prolonged injection multi-tracer testing. Water Research, 44:
1138-1149.

Garrett, V., Ogutu, P., Mabonga, P., Ombeki, S., Mwaki, A., Aluoch, G., Phelan, M. and
Quick, R. E. (2008) ‘Diarrhoea prevention in a high-risk rural Kenyan population through
point-of-use chlorination, safe water storage, sanitation, and rainwater harvesting
Epidemiology and Infection, 136:1463-1471 Cambridge University Press.

Howard, G., Pedley, S., Barrett, M., Nalubega, M. & Johal, K. (2003) ‘Risk factors
contributing to microbiological contamination of shallow groundwater in Kampala, Uganda’.
Water Research, 37: 3421-3429.

Murray, K., du Preez, M., Taylor, M.B., Meyer, R., Parsons, R., van Wyk, E., Kuhn, A., van
Niekerk, H. & Ehlers, M.M. (2004) ‘National microbial monitoring program for ground
water. Water Research Commission Report’, Report No. 1277/1/04.

Peirce, J.J, Vesilind P.A., Weiner R.F. (1997) ‘Environmental Pollution and Control’,
Elsevier Science & Technology Books. 4th ed. p 31-35.

Santra, S.C. (2001) ‘Environmental Science’, New Central Book Agency (p) Limited,
Kolkata. Pp. 240-250.

Shittu, O.B., Olaitan, J.O. and Amusa, T.S. (2008) ‘Physico-chemical and bacteriological
analyses of water used for drinking and swimming purposes in Abeokuta, Nigeria’, African
Journal Biomedical Research, 11(3), pp. 285–290. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.4314/ajbr.v11i3.50739.

Singh, V. and Dev, P. (2010) ‘Environmental Impacts of Noise Pollution - A Case Study of
Saharanpur City, Western Uttar Pradesh, India’, International Journal of Earth Sciences and
Engineering. 03(6): 869-874.

Temesgen, E. and Hameed, S. (2015) ‘Assessment of physico-chemical and bacteriological

quality of drinking water at sources and household in Adama Town, Oromia Regional State,
Ethiopia’, African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 9(5), pp. 413–419.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.5897/ajest2014.1827.

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WHO, (2004). Geneva, Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality: 3rd Edition. Chapter 11:
Microbial Fact Sheets.

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