Application of Factor and Cluster Analyses in the Assessment of Sources of Contaminants in Borehole Water in Tanzania
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Polish Journal of Environmental Studies
Abstract
Our study assesses the quality of water in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania. Borehole water samples collected
were analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the underground water. All
functional boreholes in the study area were sampled. Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to establish
the interaction of the physicochemical characteristics in the underground water. Factor analysis and cluster
analysis were employed to determine source apportionment of contaminants in underground water. Results
showed that calcium was significantly correlated with electrical conductivity (r=0.624), total dissolved solids
(r=0.627), and total hardness (r=0.881) for underground water sources. Calcium concentration is attributed to
anthropogenic activities, terrigenous influx in run-off, and/or natural processes within the aquifers. Faecal coliform
counts exceeded the World Health Organization maximum permissible limit of 0/100ml at 44ÂșC at
Shauri Moyo and Kigogo Primary School and, therefore, the water was contaminated; the rest of the boreholes
were safe. Factor analysis revealed three sources of pollutants in the underground water:
(1) mixed origin of human wastes and soil in runoff
(2) dual origin of turbidity (human wastes and soil/organic matter)
(3) natural/geochemical processes in aquifers.
In conclusion, water hardness is controlled by calcium and faecal contamination is attributed to entry of
sewage (human wastes) and organic matter into underground water. There is a need for water to be treated/
filtered and/or boiled before consumption.
Description
Keywords
Borehole, Coliform, Factor analysis, Underground water, Water quality
Citation
Basamba, T. A., Sekabira, K., Kayombo, C. M., & Ssegawa, P. (2013). Application of factor and cluster analyses in the assessment of sources of contaminants in borehole water in Tanzania. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 22(2), 337-346.