International Journal of
Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Water Res. Environ. Eng.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-6613
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJWREE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 351

Full Length Research Paper

Physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in hand-dug well in Ga East municipality in southern Ghana

Daniel A. Tetteh
  • Daniel A. Tetteh
  • Aketen Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Department of Environmental Health and Sanitation Education, Ashanti Mampong, Ghana.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 24 May 2024
  •  Accepted: 27 June 2024
  •  Published: 31 October 2024

Abstract

Hand-dug wells play a crucial role as a primary source of drinking water for numerous communities, especially those lacking access to treated water. However, water from such wells can occasionally be contaminated, posing health risks. The purpose of the study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations in thirty hand-dug wells in the Ga East Municipality of Ghana. Water samples from three communities underwent analysis at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. The results revealed that pH, temperature, phosphate, nitrate, sulfate, calcium, and salinity levels adhered to the World Health Organization's recommended guidelines. Additionally, all heavy metal concentrations remained within WHO standards.

Key words: Hand dug, physiochemical, metals, parameters, wells