Distribution of copper ions in waste and potable waters in Sri Lanka Cities

Abstract

The concentration of free Cu ions in waste waters and in well waters used for drinking purposes has been studied in five main cities in Sri Lanka. There appears to be a correlation in the Cu ion contents between the well water and the industrial wastes in and around Colombo. The general distribution of Cu ions in well water in the entire island has been studied and the island divided into zones depending on the Cu ion concentrations. The higher Cu ion contents in the cities as compared to the average value of the zone in which they are situated probably indicate contamination from wastes. However, this is marked only in areas around the industrial centers of Colombo. In regions away from Colombo, with little or no major industries, natural environmental factors such as climate, topography and mineral occurrences are responsible for the observed distribution of Cu ions in water.[/p]