PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BOREHOLE WATER IN THE NICUAPA COMMUNITY – MONTEPUEZ, MOZAMBIQUE

Access to safe drinking water is essential for public health, especially in rural communities that depend on alternative water supply sources such as boreholes. This study aimed to characterize the quality of water supplied from boreholes in the community of Nicuapa, in the district of Montepuez, Mozambique, by evaluating physical and chemical parameters and comparing the results with the standards established by Mozambican Decree No. 18/2004 and the guidelines of the World Health Organization. Five water samples were collected at different points within the community and analyzed at the Environmental Quality Control Laboratory of Moz Environmental – Pemba. The evaluated parameters included pH, turbidity, total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, nutrients, phenols, inorganic ions, and electrical conductivity. The results showed that, at most sampling points, the water presented physicochemical quality within the legal limits, indicating suitability for human consumption. However, the sample collected at the point located outside the school showed elevated values of turbidity, total suspended solids, and phenol, suggesting possible localized contamination. It is concluded that, although borehole water in Nicuapa is generally adequate, spatial variations in water quality exist, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and improved sanitary protection of the sources to ensure a safe and sustainable water supply for the population.