Assessing the Groundwater Quality of Rohingya Refugee Camp Cox Bazar Bangladesh

Abstract

Groundwater is the singular source of drinking water in Rohingya Refugee Camps, Cox Bazar Bangladesh. A study was conducted to assess the quality of the groundwater and its suitability as potable water. Samples collected from ten water points that are hand pumps connected to borehole wells locally called tube wells of Rohingya Camp16 were collected for analysis of water quality parameters. The water quality parameters that were measured were: pH, turbidity, total hardness, arsenic, manganese, iron, and total coliform. The results indicate that the water is moderately hard with pH values within regulatory limits. Some of the water samples exceed the limit for total iron based on the Government of Bangladesh regulatory standards. The water samples were arsenic free which is a relief for many localities in Bangladesh suffer from the purge of arsenic contaminated groundwater. Unfortunately, many of the water samples collected contains higher than accepted levels of manganese which can be an issue with prolonged consumption. Chronic exposure to manganese results in developmental problems in adolescents. The majority of the waters samples also showed the presence of total coliform and a sure indication that fecal contamination of the water wells is occurring. The water quality data points to a senior that calls for pragmatic water quality assurance and management measures for the sustainable wellbeing of the refugee communities in the refugee camps of Cox Bazar, Bangladesh. We will be putting forth evidence-based sustainable solutions to achieve a sustainable supply of safe drinking water to the Rohingya communities in the camps.