6. Physico-chemical Assessment of Drinking Water with Special Emphasis on Fluoride Concentration in the Akatsi-North district in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

The present article has emerged from investigation into the water situation in three villages in the Akatsi-North district, to test the extent to which expectations of the United Nations (UN) Resolution 64/292 stipulations have been met in this part of the Volta region of Ghana. Thirty-six water samples were collected from twelve different boreholes (three villages) in the Akatsi-North district and analysed for their physico-chemical parameters using appropriate certified and acceptable international standards. Most of the physico-chemical parameters measured were within WHO guidelines for quality drinking water. The results showed that groundwater from two of the three villages were soft with pH ranging from 6.3 to 7.9. Cadmium concentrations for the groundwater samples analysed were above the critical value of 0.003 mg/L. Lead and nickel were not detected while the concentrations of phosphate (0.50 – 0.53 mg/L) and copper (0.32-0.37 mg/L ) provided basis for the incidence of gastrointestinal and/or purgative effects experienced by most inhabitants prior to questionnaire analysis. Iron concentrations recorded for the three villages were within the ranges of 0.005-0.130mg/L, 0.13-0.23 mg/L, and 0.85-1.41 mg/L for Ave Xevi, Ave Afiadenyigba and Ave Etekorfe respectively. Mean concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, CO3 2-, and total alkalinity obtained for the three villages were (112, 168, 517) mg/L, (68, 112, 208) mg/L, (49, 80, 256) mg/L, and (220, 260, 380) mg/L respectively. Fluoride concentrations were low (0.07 mg/L and 0.16mg/L) for two of the three villages which may be responsible for the incidence of tooth decay among the inhabitants.