146 Contaminants Near Groundwater-Surface Water Interfaces (Posters)

Groundwater-surface water interfaces influence the transport and fate of contaminants in groundwaters and surface waters. Thus, learning about the behavior and interactions at and near the interfaces are important for understanding hydrogeochemical cycles as well as groundwater and watershed management.

Monday, 20 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1

Assessing the Risk of Contamination of Drinking Water in Garden District from Unlined Sewage Ponds in Lusaka, Zambia

Paper number: 146-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

This study investigated the potential influence of unlined sewage ponds on drinking water quality in the Garden community of Lusaka, Zambia. A comprehensive assessment was conducted, including a geologic survey to determine groundwater flow paths and laboratory analyses of water samples from hand-dug wells. The geologic survey revealed a regional groundwater flow path trending northwest of the sewage ponds, suggesting potential for sewage effluent to influence groundwater quality along with the communities' drinking water sources. The results of this study will be reported to the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) and the University of Zambia to inform mitigation strategies and public health interventions.  

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-413389

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