Assessment of the phyico-chemical and microbiological quality of spring waters in the city of Kikwit (Democratic Republic of Congo)

This study investigated the quality on nine well water consumed in certain areas of Kikwit city in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Different physicochemical and microbiological parameters were measured: pH, conductivity, turbidity, nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, total iron, total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, Enterococcus spp., Salmonella and Shigella. The experimental results showed that, almost the whole physico-chemical parameters were conform to the WHO standards even though the phosphate concentrations were above the WHO weter potability standard (0.5 mg / L). The bacteriological analysis results revealed the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, Enterococcus spp., Salmonella and Shigella in these wells waters. Consequently, the presence of these bacteria reflects a faecal pollution origin which render this water unfit for human consumption. However, this water could be consumed after disinfection