IWRA Proceedings

INTRODUCTION

In Dakar most of the wastewater is not treated and is discharged directly into the sea. This leads to a deterioration in the quality of marine waters, which poses health risks for swimmers and beach users. This study, which addresses this issue, aims to contribute to the establishment of national standards for swimming water quality.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general objective is to evaluate the marine pollution related to the liquid effluent discharges from the stormwater drainage canals.

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis that we want to verify is that the canal water pollutes the marine water at the wharf and makes it dangerous for swimming.

KEY ISSUES addressed are:

• The origins of the pollution in the stormwater drainage channels
• The quality of the water in the stormwater drainage channels
• The impact of stormwater drainage in marine water quality

CONCLUSIONS

• Wastewater from Canal IV has a high concentration of fecal coliforms, which shows contamination by domestic wastewater.
• Canal IV evacuates a lot of solid waste and create high pollution of marine waters making swimming impossible up to 500 m from the shore.
• Canal IV is responsible for the aesthetic degradation incompatible with the various activities carried out at the level of the wHarf of Soumbédioune.
• Poor swimming water quality highlights the need for a standard in Senegal
• Within this framework, a number of parameters seem essential to monitor:
  • Fecal coliforms, which are correlated with health risks
  • Microplastics resulting from the degradation of coarse plastic that can be incorporated into the food chain
  • Heavy metals as everything is discharged into the sewer system, even batteries for which there is no safe collection and disposal strategy

Thursday, January 19th 2023 / 11:15 CET