Groundwater pollution and sanitation in western Sudan

A study of groundwater pollution in shallow sandy and alluvial aquifers was performed in central Kordofan in western Sudan. Monitoring wells were sampled during both ddry and wet seasons. Results of chemical and bacteriological analysis show that groundwater samples collected from villages and suburbs of towns have satisfactory chemical and bacteriological quality. However, elevated nitrate concentrations and/or gross faecal bacterial pollution reported from boreholes in towns. Large amount of animal waste, together with extensive inadequate excreta disposal facilities are some of the numerous point sources of groundwater pollution. The study recommends certain sanitary measures for protection of groundwater quality and to the sustainability of rural water supply and sanitation.