Abstract
Water availability is becoming a challenge at coral islands; exposure to unknown quality groundwater to meet water requirements may put local communities at risk of infection by pathogens. The current study determines integration of water quality data, and risk prioritization and impact quantification due to measures like having sewer network should be utilized towards sustainable water mitigation strategy. It utilizes statistical tools for understanding the degree of contamination; identification of critical sanitary risk factors and extent of access to sewer network affect groundwater quality. A total of 104 water samples were collected and analysed for Escherichia coli from 11 islands of Laamu Atoll. Alongside, an 11-point sanitary survey, with additional information about the presence of sewer network, was conducted at every sampling location to score risk of contamination (RoC). Nearly 87% samples showed the presence of E. coli. Stepwise multivariable linear regression model identified four significant sanitary factors concerning E. coli in water. Propensity score-matching concluded 9–11.1% reduction in E. coli counts on the existence of sewer network at islands. This study identifies an effective Water Safety Plan involving the assessment of an entire water system to identify hazards and associated risk to establish an effective monitoring and mitigation plan; therefore, it must be prepared at the island level to safeguard people from diseases.
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Acknowledgements
The following study was sponsored by the WHO Country Office, the Republic of Maldives, to assess the potentiality of groundwater water for drinking purpose. It was a part of a joint UN project to develop Low Emission Climate Resilient in Laamu Atoll. The authors would like to thank all the staff from WHO Country office for Maldives and colleagues from NEERI especially Dr. Gajanan Khadse, Er. Subash Andey and Dr. Leena Deshpande for their support and guidance to conduct the study.
Funding
This study was funded by WHO Country Office, The Republic of Maldives (G-5-2155) to evaluate its groundwater water quality to augment drinking water source.
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RH drafted the manuscript and performed data analysis. PN edited and reviewed the manuscript. PL edited the manuscript and headed the project study. All the authors contributed equally in conducting the study including water sampling and sanitary surveillance.
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Highlights
• Water availability is becoming a challenge at coral islands
• 86% dug well water samples show E. coli
• Latrine distance, cracked drainage-channel and dug well cover impact water quality
• Access to sewer network intervention show reduced E. coli counts
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Hajare, R., Labhasetwar, P. & Nagarnaik, P. Assessment of Health Risk and Detailed Evaluation of Causative Factors Associated with Use of Contaminated Groundwater in the Remote Atolls. Water Air Soil Pollut 232, 210 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-021-05149-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-021-05149-5