Abstract
The South Region of Pemba is one of the two Regions in Pemba Island. Residents within the region depend on groundwater as the main water source for the domestic and other social purposes. This study was conducted to assess the quality of drinking water in different areas of South region of Pemba. In order to evaluate the quality of groundwater in the study area, 17 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for different physico-chemical parameters. In each water sample, four physicochemical parameters were analyzed, namely, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and turbidity. For the case of metals, eleven metals, namely, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr (III), Li, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn were analyzed using standard procedures. The dataobtained were then compared with the available WHO and or USEPA drinking water standards. All the samples had EC and TDS within the recommended limits, while 53% and 29% of the samples had higher turbidity levels and lower pH, respectively than the WHO recommended guidelines. All the samples contained Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, and Zn within the maximum admissible limits. According to heavy metal pollution index (HPI), degree of contamination (Cd), and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), only one area (Mgonanje-1) showed alarming risks. In most water samples, the ratio of concentrations of Li to Ni was greater than 1, while all Sr to Mg ratios were less than 1. Generally, the values of the analyzed physico-chemical parameters were within the recommended maximum admissible limits. However, the study recommends the stakeholders and other responsible authorities to take appropriate and corrective measures for the water sources located at the Mgonanje area.
Highlights
The significance of water quality in human health and welfare attracts a great deal of interest and attention in the world
The data obtained from the present study reveals that, in comparison to the WHO and or USEPA drinking water standards, all the samples had electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) within the recommended limits
This provides an indication of pollution hazards, and absence or weak drinking water treatment practices in the areas, which in turn have vital human health implications
Summary
The significance of water quality in human health and welfare attracts a great deal of interest and attention in the world. Access to adequate and safe water is essential for human survival, and is one among the fundamental human rights. Concerning public health, limited access to safe water undermines other public sectors such as public health, for instance communicable diseases. Groundwater is a precious natural resource that is essential and fundamental for human health, socio-economic development, and functioning of ecosystems [1, 2]. The inadequate access to clean water is directly linked with the lack of basic sanitation [3]. The quality of groundwater is affected by natural and anthropogenic activities or factors. Numerous types of human activities including residential, municipal, commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities can all affect groundwater quality [5]
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