Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Shallow Groundwater in Lomé, Togo

The present study aimed to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of shallow groundwater tapped by private boreholes for water sale in Togo’s most urbanized coastal areas. Ninety-six (96) groundwater samples were collected at the water sale points for chemical and microbiological analyses using standard methods. The results showed that groundwater is predominantly acidic with fresh and brackish water of Na-Cl type. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (NO3- , NH4+and NO2-) and permanganate indices indicating potential organic matter were found. Among the major ions, Na+ (46.9%), Cl- (51.0%) and NO3- (50.0%) present the highest percentages of unsuitable concentrations compared to WHO guidelines. These findings indicate the control of the natural impact of seawater and lagoon system and anthropogenic pollution from domestic and urban wastes on groundwater’s physicochemical quality. About 65% of groundwater samples did not comply with the drinking water guidelines for microbial indicators, including total mesophilic flora, thermotolerant coliforms, and sulfite-reducing anaerobes. The results showed the failure of sanitation and hygiene conditions around sampling points and fecal contamination from sewage, pit latrines, septic tanks, and refuse and waste disposal. The degradation of physicochemical quality is higher in the old and high-density built-up areas. Simultaneously, microbial contamination represents a high risk of contracting waterborne or hygiene-sanitation-related diseases in the whole study area. This study provides a global view of shallow groundwater’s physicochemical and microbiological quality in the study area. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

TiO₂PC500 Coated on Non Woven Paper with SiO₂as a Binder-Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Reactive Black 5 in Aqueous Solution

Photocatalytic discoloration kinetics of Reactive Black 5 (RB5), a vinylsulfone dye, has been studied spectrophotometrically by following the decrease in dye concentration with time at ambient conditions using a flow loop reactor. UV lump, Black Light Blue (BLB) emitting at maximum wavelength of 365 nm and Ahlstrom Research Service paper consistent of TiO2 P500 coated on non woven paper was used respectively as source of UV light and photocatalyst. At natural pH, the result shows that photolysis of RB5 and its adsorption in the presence of photocatalyst was negligible while the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) permits 30.8% of RB5 degradation. The degradation of dye was studied under a variety of conditions such as volumetric flow rate, initial pH, photocatalyst reuse, and in the presence of electron acceptor such as sodium persulphate ((Na)2S2O8). The degradation rates were found to be strongly influenced by all the above parameters. The circulation flow rate of 108 L/h was the best. The rate constant calculated when the initial pH was varied shows that pH 3 was more favorable for RB5 removal. Peroxydisulphate ions have the strong effect on RB5 discoloration even in dark without and with photocatalyst. When UV light was used in the presence of photocatalyst, 50 min was enough for quasi-total removal of RB5 with (0.2 M).

Structural and Thermomechanical Study of Plastic Films Made from Cassava-Starch Reinforced with Kaolin and Metakaolin

The structural and thermomechanical properties of starch-based plastic films reinforced with kaolin and metakaolin have been studied by various techniques (X-ray diffraction, IR-TF spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, tensile tests, and thermal resistance). The results obtained showed that kaolin, an inert material, prevents the starch from losing its granular structure and to solubilize during the heating, generating plastic films of low Young’s modulus (7 MPa). On the other hand, metakaolin, an amorphous and dehydroxylated material obtained after heating of kaolin at 700°C for 1 hour, substantially improves the thermomechanical properties of the plastic films. The Young’s modulus increases from 19 MPa to 25 MPa while the thermal resistance increases from 90°C to 120°C. This was attributed to good dispersion of the metakaolin in the polymer matrix after the loss of the granular structure of the starch during heating.

Physico-Chemical Features of the Kpassa Reservoir, Northern Benin, with Emphasis on Its Trophic State: A Preliminary Study

This work presents recent data on the physico-chemical properties and the trophic status of Kpassa reservoir at eighteen locations from August 2014 to February 2015. Seventeen physico-chemical parameters were measured and data obtained were statistically analyzed. The descriptive statistics showed their variations (minima-maxima) as follows: pH (4.65 - 7.30), temperature (25.1°C - 29.9°C), dissolved oxygen (1 - 5.79 mg/L), oxydability (0.32 - 10.88 mg O2/L), electrical conductivity (55 - 77 μS/cm𕒵), TDS (76 - 94 mg/L), turbidity (15.70 - 274.40 NTU), transparency (0.24 - 1.55 m), suspended matter (3 - 92 mg/L), total phosphorus (0.25 - 1.90 mg/L), orthophosphate (0.08 - 0.61 mg/L), nitrate (undetected 5.50 mg/L), nitrite (undetected 0.79 mg/L), ammonia (undetected 0.36 mg/L), chlorophyll a (7.20 - 2334.6 μg/L), silica (4.34 - 15.67 mg/L) and N/P ratio (0.08 - 42.62). These parameters were mainly influenced by agricultural activities and climatic conditions. The restriction or the removal of the use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural activities in Kpassa reservoir basin was recommended. The highest values of Pearson and Spearman correlations were observed across TDS and conductivity (0.967;0.951), turbidity and oxydability (0.924;0.665), turbidity and chlorophyll a (0.884;0.663), turbidity and suspended matter (0.982;0.793), suspended matter and transparency (𕒴.781;𕒴.819), suspended matter and nitrate (𕒴.813;𕒴.839), suspended matter and oxydability (0.919;0.602) and suspended matter and chlorophyll a (0.879;0.656). Carlson’s trophic state index (TSI) values varied between 36 and 66 showing that Kpassa reservoir was eutrophic in August and mesotrophic to oligotrophic during the other months of the sampling period. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that there were no significant differences between sampling stations.