Abstract

This study focuses on the physicochemical quality of well water in Ziguinchor and a possible treatment method using activated char made from dried Parkia biglobosa wood, coconut shells, and Cayor apple tree shells, followed by treatment using a combination of fine sand and activated char. The study of physicochemical parameters such as electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and potential of hydrogen (pH) in water from different sites (Château d'Eau, Néma Kadior, Goumel, Kénia, and Diabir) revealed significant irregularities in these parameters, particularly in July. Two categories of water were identified: water with low conductivity (125 to 606 µS) and water with high conductivity (1599 to 1994 µS), with acidity (4.45 to 6.4). Based on this information obtained from the treatment of water samples taken during this period, it was important for us to propose a treatment method consisting of fine sand combined with unused local biomass, available and easy to activate. It was then proven that the best results in terms of conductivity, pH and temperature were obtained from treatments with activated char based on dry local biomass. Finally, the study revealed that treatment with powdered activated char gives the water better physicochemical quality than treatment with granulated activated char, regardless of the type of biomass used. This treatment technique can therefore be a sustainable solution for improving water quality.

Key words: Activated char, biomass, electrical conductivity, potential of hydrogen (pH).