Analysing the quality of Botswana's surface waters in terms of microbial contamination and postulating feasible treatment and removal means

Abstract

The quality of public health depends amongst others, access to safe water that would not cause waterborne diseases. In Botswana, water is obtained from various sources that include perennial rivers, lakes, seasonal water basins and underground aquifers, to sustain various ecosystems including human life. Therefore, assessing water for the presence of potential contaminants that include pathogenic microbes gives an understanding on the overall quality of water in the country. Here, we review studies that were conducted to determine the extent to which surface water is contaminated in Botswana. We discuss the nature and prevalence of different pathogenic microbes throughout the country, notably in the Thamalakane, Boro, Notwane and Okavango Rivers. It became apparent that microbial contaminants may display seasonal variability and reflect land use. We then discuss some of the available water treatment options and point out the relatively new technologies that can be developed further. This is to give a foundation for future research where innovation is required, such as in the development of portable homemade nanofiltration setups and next generation materials like graphene. The main aim of the review is to sensitise the readership, public and governmental bodies on the prevalence of contamination as well as plausible purification and disinfection means.