Comparison of modern and 40-year-old drinking water pipeline in northern Sinai region, Egypt: Characteristics and health risk assessment

Abstract

BackgroundDrinking water quality is crucial for human health and well-being. This study evaluated the impact of replacing old asbestos pipelines with modern Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ones on drinking water quality in the North Sinai governorate of Egypt. Ninety-two water samples were collected from nine locations along the pipeline from Qantara water station to El-Arish city, and their microbiological and chemical characteristics were assessed. MethodsThis investigation was carried out during June and July 2019 to evaluate the drinking water in two distribution nets; old asbestos distribution pipes and new Polyvinyl Chloride water tubes (PVC). Microbiological analyses such as most probable number (MPN), total bacterial count (TBC), chemical assessments (water pH, electrical conductivity; EC, dissolved organic carbon; DOC), and health risk index (HRI) for multi-element concentrations were conducted. Standard analyses were followed to assess the water quality index (WQI) and Metal index (MI) and study the improvement percentage in the element's concentrations. ResultsThe highest values of TBC were in the city center district (219 CFUs mL−1), followed by Abu Saqual (184 CFUs mL−1), Resa (174 CFUs mL−1), and recently constructed pipes (80 CFUs mL−1). The pH (7.52 - 7.50) and EC (320 to 958 dSm−1) were within permissible limits. No bacterial indicators of fecal pollution were found in all drinking water samples. Results showed that the modern pipeline network significantly improved the concentrations of 23 elements, with the most significant improvements observed in cadmium (66.2%) and potassium (40.7%). HRI results for multi-element concentrations showed an impact on human health in Abu Saqual. WQI showed a decrease of 30% in toxic element concentration in the current pipelines, and MI assessment showed safe concentrations. ConclusionDrinking water's biological and chemical properties significantly improved, which matched global guideline standards. Our findings highlight the importance of regularly monitoring and updating drinking water infrastructure to ensure safe and high-quality drinking water.