Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone

Sahr Emmanuel Lebbie; Ahmed Wopa Wurie; David Conteh

doi:doi:10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11

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Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone

Sahr Emmanuel Lebbie^*

, Ahmed Wopa Wurie, David Conteh

Published in World Journal of Applied Chemistry (Volume 10, Issue 4)

Received: 5 September 2025 Accepted: 19 September 2025 Published: 9 October 2025

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Abstract

This study evaluates the physico-chemical quality of drinking water from various sources in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to identify potential health risks associated with water consumption. Water samples were collected from five sources, including hand-dug wells, taps, and streams, during a three-month period encompassing the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for key parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of heavy metals and other chemical contaminants. The results highlighted variations in water quality across different sources, with some samples exhibiting parameters outside the acceptable limits set by WHO guidelines. Specifically, concerns were noted regarding elevated levels of heavy metals like lead and zinc, which pose health risks upon prolonged exposure. The study emphasizes the impact of local environmental factors, such as mining activities and agricultural runoff, on water quality. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of adequate water treatment and proper sanitation practices to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water. The findings advocate for improved water management policies, routine monitoring, and community education on water safety. This research contributes valuable data to inform interventions aimed at enhancing water quality and safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings where reliance on untreated water sources remains high. Overall, the study underscores the critical need for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development to address waterborne health hazards in the region, the research therefore recommends that further researchers should embark on a comparative study on the correlation and a clear cut of laboratory analysis on drinking water quality in other cities and its associated diseases.

Published in	World Journal of Applied Chemistry (Volume 10, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11
Page(s)	90-100
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Hand Dug, River, Tap, Well, Treatment, WHO, Physico-chemical Parameters

References

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[2]	Donkor et al. (2007): Risk Factors in the Hygienic Quality of water.
[3]	J. DeZuane (1997): Handbook of Drinking Water Quality, John Wiley & Sons, 1997.
[4]	Maduka HCC, Chukwu NC, Ugwu CE, Dike CC, Okpogba AN, Ogueche PN and Maduka AA (2014). Assessment of commercial bottled table and sachet water commonly consumed in Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria using Microbiological indices. Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences 13: 86-89.
[5]	Magburaka, Sierra Leone \| Map, Time Zone (2008): ". Archived from the original on 2011-06-17. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
[6]	Mihayo. I, Mkoma. S. (2012). Chemical Water Quality of Bottled Drinking Water Brands Marketed in Mwanza City, Tanzania. Research Journal of Chemical Sciences, Vol. 2(7), 21-26.
[7]	Pedley, Stephen & Howard, Guy. (1997). The public health implications of microbiological contamination of groundwater. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology - Q J ENG GEOL HYDROGEOL. 30. 179-188. https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.QJEGH.1997.030.P2.10
[8]	Prüss-Üstün et al. (2008): Human health and the water environment: Using the DPSEEA framework to identify the driving forces of disease.
[9]	R. Cidu, F. Frau, and P. Tore (2011), “Drinking water quality: comparing inorganic components in bottled water and Italian tap water,” Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 184–193, 2011.
[10]	Republic of Sierra Leone: 2004 Population and Housing Census: Analytical Report on Population Distribution, Migration and Urbanisation in Sierra Leone. Ibrahim Mohamed Sesay, Andrew A. Karam, Jinnah J. Ngobeh. Published November 2006.
[11]	Sawyer, D. S., Whitmarsh, R. B., Klaus, A., et al., (1994): Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Initial Reports, Vol. 149.
[12]	Sierra Leone Country Details (2022): History-africa.com . Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
[13]	UNW-DPAC. (2015). The Human Right to Water and Sanitation, Media brief. 50014 Zaragoza, Spain, https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/unwdpac.shtml
[14]	WHO, UNICEF. 2015. JMP Report 2015: Key Facts. Joint World Health Organization/United Nations Children’s Fund Monitoring Program for Water Supply and Sanitation.
[15]	World Health Organization (WHO), (2005). Nutrients in Drinking Water. Geneva: WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data.
[16]	World Health Organization (WHO), (2017). Guidelines for drinking-water quality: fourth edition incorporating the first. Geneva: WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data. https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/...
[17]	Porter, D. (1991). Essay Review: Drinking Water, a Science of Impurity: Water Analysis in Nineteenth Century Britain. History of Science, 29(4), 429-432. https://doi.org/10.1177/007327539102900406

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APA Style

Lebbie, S. E., Wurie, A. W., Conteh, D. (2025). Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone. World Journal of Applied Chemistry, 10(4), 90-100. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11

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ACS Style

Lebbie, S. E.; Wurie, A. W.; Conteh, D. Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone. World J. Appl. Chem. 2025, 10(4), 90-100. doi: 10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11

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AMA Style

Lebbie SE, Wurie AW, Conteh D. Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone. World J Appl Chem. 2025;10(4):90-100. doi: 10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11

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@article{10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11,
  author = {Sahr Emmanuel Lebbie and Ahmed Wopa Wurie and David Conteh},
  title = {Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone
},
  journal = {World Journal of Applied Chemistry},
  volume = {10},
  number = {4},
  pages = {90-100},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjac.20251004.11},
  abstract = {This study evaluates the physico-chemical quality of drinking water from various sources in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to identify potential health risks associated with water consumption. Water samples were collected from five sources, including hand-dug wells, taps, and streams, during a three-month period encompassing the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for key parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of heavy metals and other chemical contaminants. The results highlighted variations in water quality across different sources, with some samples exhibiting parameters outside the acceptable limits set by WHO guidelines. Specifically, concerns were noted regarding elevated levels of heavy metals like lead and zinc, which pose health risks upon prolonged exposure. The study emphasizes the impact of local environmental factors, such as mining activities and agricultural runoff, on water quality. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of adequate water treatment and proper sanitation practices to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water. The findings advocate for improved water management policies, routine monitoring, and community education on water safety. This research contributes valuable data to inform interventions aimed at enhancing water quality and safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings where reliance on untreated water sources remains high. Overall, the study underscores the critical need for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development to address waterborne health hazards in the region, the research therefore recommends that further researchers should embark on a comparative study on the correlation and a clear cut of laboratory analysis on drinking water quality in other cities and its associated diseases.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone

AU  - Sahr Emmanuel Lebbie
AU  - Ahmed Wopa Wurie
AU  - David Conteh
Y1  - 2025/10/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11
T2  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
JF  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
JO  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
SP  - 90
EP  - 100
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-5982
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11
AB  - This study evaluates the physico-chemical quality of drinking water from various sources in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to identify potential health risks associated with water consumption. Water samples were collected from five sources, including hand-dug wells, taps, and streams, during a three-month period encompassing the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for key parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of heavy metals and other chemical contaminants. The results highlighted variations in water quality across different sources, with some samples exhibiting parameters outside the acceptable limits set by WHO guidelines. Specifically, concerns were noted regarding elevated levels of heavy metals like lead and zinc, which pose health risks upon prolonged exposure. The study emphasizes the impact of local environmental factors, such as mining activities and agricultural runoff, on water quality. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of adequate water treatment and proper sanitation practices to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water. The findings advocate for improved water management policies, routine monitoring, and community education on water safety. This research contributes valuable data to inform interventions aimed at enhancing water quality and safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings where reliance on untreated water sources remains high. Overall, the study underscores the critical need for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development to address waterborne health hazards in the region, the research therefore recommends that further researchers should embark on a comparative study on the correlation and a clear cut of laboratory analysis on drinking water quality in other cities and its associated diseases.

VL  - 10
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Sahr Emmanuel Lebbie

Chemistry Department, Njala University, Moyamba, Sierra Leone

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-5424-5993
Ahmed Wopa Wurie

Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

Contact Email
David Conteh

Chemistry Department, Njala University, Moyamba, Sierra Leone

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0008-0749-2163

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APA Style

Lebbie, S. E., Wurie, A. W., Conteh, D. (2025). Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone. World Journal of Applied Chemistry, 10(4), 90-100. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11

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ACS Style

Lebbie, S. E.; Wurie, A. W.; Conteh, D. Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone. World J. Appl. Chem. 2025, 10(4), 90-100. doi: 10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11

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AMA Style

Lebbie SE, Wurie AW, Conteh D. Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone. World J Appl Chem. 2025;10(4):90-100. doi: 10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11,
  author = {Sahr Emmanuel Lebbie and Ahmed Wopa Wurie and David Conteh},
  title = {Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone
},
  journal = {World Journal of Applied Chemistry},
  volume = {10},
  number = {4},
  pages = {90-100},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjac.20251004.11},
  abstract = {This study evaluates the physico-chemical quality of drinking water from various sources in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to identify potential health risks associated with water consumption. Water samples were collected from five sources, including hand-dug wells, taps, and streams, during a three-month period encompassing the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for key parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of heavy metals and other chemical contaminants. The results highlighted variations in water quality across different sources, with some samples exhibiting parameters outside the acceptable limits set by WHO guidelines. Specifically, concerns were noted regarding elevated levels of heavy metals like lead and zinc, which pose health risks upon prolonged exposure. The study emphasizes the impact of local environmental factors, such as mining activities and agricultural runoff, on water quality. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of adequate water treatment and proper sanitation practices to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water. The findings advocate for improved water management policies, routine monitoring, and community education on water safety. This research contributes valuable data to inform interventions aimed at enhancing water quality and safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings where reliance on untreated water sources remains high. Overall, the study underscores the critical need for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development to address waterborne health hazards in the region, the research therefore recommends that further researchers should embark on a comparative study on the correlation and a clear cut of laboratory analysis on drinking water quality in other cities and its associated diseases.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone

AU  - Sahr Emmanuel Lebbie
AU  - Ahmed Wopa Wurie
AU  - David Conteh
Y1  - 2025/10/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11
T2  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
JF  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
JO  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
SP  - 90
EP  - 100
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-5982
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251004.11
AB  - This study evaluates the physico-chemical quality of drinking water from various sources in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to identify potential health risks associated with water consumption. Water samples were collected from five sources, including hand-dug wells, taps, and streams, during a three-month period encompassing the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for key parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of heavy metals and other chemical contaminants. The results highlighted variations in water quality across different sources, with some samples exhibiting parameters outside the acceptable limits set by WHO guidelines. Specifically, concerns were noted regarding elevated levels of heavy metals like lead and zinc, which pose health risks upon prolonged exposure. The study emphasizes the impact of local environmental factors, such as mining activities and agricultural runoff, on water quality. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of adequate water treatment and proper sanitation practices to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water. The findings advocate for improved water management policies, routine monitoring, and community education on water safety. This research contributes valuable data to inform interventions aimed at enhancing water quality and safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings where reliance on untreated water sources remains high. Overall, the study underscores the critical need for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development to address waterborne health hazards in the region, the research therefore recommends that further researchers should embark on a comparative study on the correlation and a clear cut of laboratory analysis on drinking water quality in other cities and its associated diseases.

VL  - 10
IS  - 4
ER  -

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