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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) Volume: 11 Issue: 03 | Mar 2024

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e-ISSN: 2395-0056 p-ISSN: 2395-0072

The Impact of Well Water Use on Human Health in Cotonou, Benin AIZOUN ZINSOU JACQUES, ZHU HAOCHEN Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China -------------------------------------------------------------------------***-----------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract: This paper examines the potential health risks associated with well water use in Cotonou, Benin. Drawing on existing research, environmental data, and community surveys, it analyzes the quality of well water, identifies potential contaminants, and explores their possible health effects on residents. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for improved water infrastructure and sanitation practices to mitigate these risks and promote public health.

1. Introduction Every individual should have the fundamental right to have uncontaminated and secure water, along with sufficient sanitary amenities. However, the provision of water and sanitation services continues to be a significant obstacle in numerous undeveloped nations. Water is vital for the survival of every plant and animal species, especially for humans. The human body is primarily composed of water. Water is essential for the functioning of living beings since it facilitates important exchanges necessary for the sustenance of life[1]. The freshwater resource comprises groundwater, surface water, and rainwater. Ensuring abundant and top-notch availability of potable water is crucial for all facets of existence and the progress of sustainable development. Groundwater is the favored source for piped water supplies in numerous metropolitan regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, and its expansion is projected to significantly rise in order to enhance the extent of urban water distribution[2]. Groundwater quality is affected by both natural occurrences and human activities. Water is a fundamental necessity for Homo sapiens. Regrettably, as stated in the 2019 World Bank report presented at the United Nations, the global community is currently confronting an overlooked water quality problem[3]. This issue substantially diminishes the economic growth prospects of highly polluted regions by 33% and raises concerns for both human and environmental well-being. Every organism need access to potable water. In order for humans to ensure their continued existence, they need an abundant supply of clean and potable water. The prevalence of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and dysentery, is greatly increased due to the poor quality of drinking water and inadequate sanitation facilities. The inadequate condition of water and sanitation in Africa can be attributed to various issues, such as inadequate strategic planning, a fast-expanding population, lack of accountability, political instability, and insufficient financial resources[4]. The water and sanitation issues in developing countries are more noticeable in rural regions, mostly because of a development planning approach that gives higher importance to urban districts. This strategy can be attributed to the colonial era and regrettably continues to exist throughout Africa after gaining freedom. Impoverished nations encounter substantial limitations in acquiring access to potable water. In Benin, potable water is sourced from several outlets, such as tap water and exposed surface water. The SONEB, a government-owned corporation, provides potable water to urban areas throughout Benin[5]. In areas lacking a centralized water supply, the responsibility for managing water is entrusted to the DGO (Direction Générale de l'Eau), which is a separate governmental entity. The water resources in Benin are characterized by restricted access to potable water and variations in availability based on geography. The Ministry of Economic and Financial Development has estimated that an annual budget of US$80 million and US$22 million, respectively, is required from 2006 to 2015 to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related to water and sanitation[6]. By 2015, the number of individuals without access to improved water sources exceeded 2 million. In terms of sanitation, 20% of the population had access to upgraded sanitation facilities, with 36% and 7% in urban and rural regions, respectively. This study aims to investigate the health implications associated with the utilisation of well water in the city of Cotonou. Approximately 65% of Benin's population has abstained from registering with the National Water Company of Benin (SONEB) due to financial limitations[7]. The population ingests untreated freshwater and is susceptible to a range of diseases. Yetongnon et al.[8] conducted a comprehensive analysis of the physical and chemical properties of well water in the sixth neighborhood of Cotonou, South Benin, along with the detection of metal contaminants. The researchers performed in-situ measurements of various physico-chemical parameters, such as pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved salts (TDS), and salinity. Elevated concentrations of ammonium and nitrite ions were identified in the groundwater, indicating potential contamination. The water samples included excessive amounts of aluminum and iron, beyond the guidelines established by the World Health Organization[9]. While the majority of the trace elements fulfilled the toxicity standards, certain atypical levels were detected, suggesting potential sources of contamination. The analysis revealed significant correlations among various chemical elements, indicating a common origin for positively correlated metals and unique origins for negatively correlated metals. In 2022, Avocefohoun et al.[10] conducted a study to examine the physical and chemical properties of well water in the sixth neighborhood of Cotonou, located in South Benin. Furthermore, the study investigated the presence of metallic contaminants in the water. The well

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