Chemical Pollution of Drinking Water in Haiti: An Important Threat to Public Health

Abstract

The geophysical environment of the Republic of Haiti is characterized by hydrological and biogeographical climatic phenomena, and a relief marked by its rugged appearance. Most of the territory is occupied by mountains formed of limestone. The differences in level are very marked. Fragmentation is another feature of the relief. These environmental imperfections juxtaposed with difficult socioeconomic conditions and anthropogenic actions raise questions about possible chemical metal pollution of the country’s water resources. Indeed, the predominance of limestone in the Haitian geology generate water hardness, and in the case where the magnesium concentration is less than 7 mg/l, this water may be the source of cardiovascular diseases. Studies carried out on several water points show a total hardness greater than 200 mg/l. In Port-au-Prince, concentrations of lead ranging from 40 μg/L to 90 μg/L and high Cr (III) risks were measured and estimated in groundwater and drinking water. Concentration of fluorine ranging from 0 to 2 mg/l were obtained from water resources. Concentration above 1.5 mg/l have been found from alluvial aquifers. Chronic public health risks, such as cardiovascular diseases, deterioration of the psychological development of children, irreversible functional and morphological renal changes, and dental fluorosis, strain Haiti’s water resources. Chemicals’ exposures seem to pose a threat to public health in Haiti, which need to be studied. The aim of this study is: (i) to analyze the contribution of geology and anthropogenic actions in the alteration of water quality, (ii) to review the toxicology of chemicals detected in water distributed in Port-au-Prince.