Title: Integrated approach to assessing water quality parameters and contaminant levels in remote communities: implications for sustainable development

Authors: Seon Hamer; Temitope D. Timothy Oyedotun

Addresses: Department of Environmental Studies (DoES), Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES), University of Guyana, P.O. Box 10 1110, Turkeyen Campus, Greater Georgetown, Guyana ' Department of Geography, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, P.O. Box 10 1110, Turkeyen Campus, Greater Georgetown, Guyana

Abstract: This study extensively assessed water quality in Matthews Ridge and Port Kaituma, Guyana, focusing on heavy metal pollutants, non-heavy metal contaminants, and microbial populations in groundwater and surface water. Results showed varying levels of heavy metals like zinc, iron, nickel, and manganese, some exceeding WHO drinking water limits. Nitrogen indicated organic contamination, with Port Kaituma surface water and Matthews Ridge groundwater exceeding limits at 31.364 mg/L and 12.02 mg/L, respectively. High coliform bacteria counts in both areas posed waterborne illness risks. Remediation measures, including treatment plants for heavy metal removal and filtration/disinfection, are recommended. Community engagement and household water treatment methods are suggested to reduce health hazards. The study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to ensure water quality, public health, and compliance with international standards, facilitating access to clean drinking water, sustainable development, and ecosystem preservation in remote Guyanese regions.

Keywords: coliform bacteria; environmental monitoring; health risk assessment; heavy metal pollutants; microbial contamination; nitrogen contamination; public health implications; water treatment strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2024.140245

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2024 Vol.23 No.4, pp.267 - 300

Received: 02 Apr 2024
Accepted: 30 Apr 2024
Published online: 31 Jul 2024 *

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