| dc.description.abstract | The physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of the Senegal River in the
Rosso region were meticulously examined across various sampling stations (Back,
Djourbel, Iset, and M’Pourier) and were assessed for a total of twenty-three
physicochemical and three biological parameters. These parameters encompassed
Bicarbonate (HCO3-), Temperature, Turbidity, Potential of Hydrogen (pH), Electrical
Conductivity (EC), Alkalinity (CaCO3), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Barium
(Ba), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Iron (Fe),
Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Potassium (K+), Manganese (Mn2+), Nitrate (NO3-),
Nitrite (NO2-), Ammonia (NH4+), Phosphate (PO43-), Sodium (Na+), Sulfate (SO42-),
and Zinc (Zn). The Water Quality Index (WQI), a methodological technique used to
assess the effect of household and agricultural waste on the surface water quality of the
Senegal River in Rosso, Mauritania, was calculated using the biological parameters,
which included Escherichia coli, Total Coliforms, and Enterococcus. The findings
showed that the pH level at the Djourbel Station was below the World Health
Organization's (WHO) cutoff point. Additionally, all monitoring sites (Back, Djourbel,
Iset, and M'Pourier) had turbidity and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels beyond
allowable limits, suggesting a substantial organic load and possible human pollution.
Concentrations of copper (Cu) were observed to exceed WHO recommendations at the
Back and Djourbel stations, while elevated concentrations of barium (Ba) and
chromium (Cr) raised concerns at the Iset and M’Pourier stations. Significantly, the
M'Pourier Station had a more noticeable pollution profile, with higher concentrations
of potassium (K⁺), ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitrites (NO₂⁻), bicarbonates (HCO₃⁻), electrical
conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Suggesting a variety of
contaminant sources likely associated with domestic and agricultural runoff.
Bacteriological evaluations indicated widespread contamination by Escherichia coli,
Enterococcus, and total coliforms across all monitoring stations, signifying
considerable fecal pollution and presenting a significant health risk. The Water Quality
Index (WQI) further substantiated these findings. When the analysis included
bacteriological parameters, WQI values surged to alarming levels, particularly at the
Back (2660.5) and M’Pourier (2572.1) stations, indicating the water's unsuitability for
any application. Even in the absence of microbiological assessments, WQI indices
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remained elevated, particularly at the Back (184.21) and Iset (108.31) stations,
signifying substantial chemical contamination | en_US |
