Physicochemical Quality and Heavy Metals Contamination of Drinking Water Used in Poultry Farms at Maritime Region of Togo

摘要

This study investigated heavy metals and physicochemical quality of drinking water used in poultry farms at the Maritime region of Togo. Information was gathered by face-to-face interviewing and samples from different drinking water sources (Wells, drillings and tanks) were collected and analysed for physicochemical parameters such as total hardness, pH, nitrate, sulphate and some heavy metals: Hg, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, As, Ni, Pb and Zn using standard methods Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Thermo Electron S series. The results showed that most of poultry farms in Maritime region were located within potential provenances sources of water pollution. These sources comprised agricultural, residential and industrial areas. The analysis indicated that concentrations of the metals were mostly far below the maximum recommended concentration. However, the concentrations of Iron, Cadmium, Lead and Mercury in some of the water samples were higher than the international standard values. Also the concentration of nitrate and sulphate in some water samples were higher than the levels recommended by WHO. The water samples were soft and moderately hard. The pH of all analysed samples was within the allowable limit. It was concluded that the contamination of drinking water in the poultry farms of the Maritime region of Togo was moderate except in industrial areas which was considerably high.