IRON REMOVAL IN BOREHOLE WATER: A CASE STUDY OF LUAPULA PROVINCE

Abstract

A research study was carried out to investigate the operation of Iron Removal Plants (IRP’s) in four rural districts of Luapula Province, namely Mansa, Milenge, Mwense and Samfya. The “before-and-after” study design was used to compare the difference in iron concentration before and after IRP intervention, and to assess the latter’s performance. Inventory of existing boreholes installed with IRPs was done and two different samples were taken from each water point; one for immediate field analysis, and another for laboratory analysis. Cluster sampling was used in picking respondents for the questionnaire survey in assessing effectiveness of operation and maintenance of the IRP’s. Pump flushing was used to ascertain the main source of iron in the water. Different retention times were tested within one hour of sampling in ten minute intervals to assess its effect on iron concentration in the water. The results from the performance evaluation process of the current IRP’s showed 85.6 to 92.5 percent performance efficiency. From the flushing tests conducted, it was observed that the iron concentration in the water increased over time with continuous pumping thereby indicating that the geology of the area was the source of the iron. Results from a t-test statistical analysis showed no significant difference (P < 0.05) in iron concentration between water points installed with Indian Mark II pumps in comparison to those installed with the Afridev pumps. Further, there was remarkable iron removal with increased retention time. Strategies used for operation and maintenance of the IRP’s were not very effective due to the attitudes and perceptions of the users and Government’s capacity to operate the IRP was found to be limited due to inadequate funding and lack of devolution.