Abstract
Physico-chemical parameters of groundwater resources were studied in Fuoni area allocated at West District of Zanzibar Island. In June 2014, water samples were collected from ten groundwater sources for physico-chemical analysis. The chemical parameters include twenty metals (Al, As, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr (III), Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl, V and Zn). Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) determined the dissolved metal concentrations. The levels of total dissolved solid (TDS), turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH were also determined using Horiba multi-parameter water quality meter. There was no detection for the levels of Al, Be, Cd, Co, and Mn in all water samples. Notably, the physico-chemical parameters suggest that the groundwaters in this area are generally good for domestic use per World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Nevertheless, 40% of the analyzed water samples had elevated levels of calcium as compared to WHO guideline for calcium. Turbidity levels in majority of water samples were beyond the recommended guideline value. Both Sr/Ni ratio and Li/Ni ratio were greater than 1. Furthermore, four heavy metals namely, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Pb were used in a multivariate hazard analysis. The hazard analysis aimed at evaluating a potential human health risks associated with water consumption from the study area. The analysis included, heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), degree of metal contamination (Cd), and hazard quotient which yields hazard index (HI). Generally, there was no apparent risk to water consumers from being exposed to studied metals. Nevertheless, knowledge and awareness of the quality of drinking water is crucial, hence, the presence of trace and heavy metals in water sources necessitates the need of regular monitory of water sources. Therefore, a good and sustainable management of drinking water quality is an inevitable factor in preventing and controlling of the waterborne diseases.
Highlights
Fuoni is a newly and ever growing area in west District of Zanzibar Island
Groundwater resource has become the potential source of domestic water supply in worldwide [10]
Various water quality analysis, and public health surveys have shown that groundwater resources are vulnerable to contaminants
Summary
Fuoni is a newly and ever growing area in west District of Zanzibar Island. Groundwater from wide diameter hand dug wells and bore hole wells is the principal water resources in this area. Over the last few years, surface water and groundwater resources are among the most important environmental issues due to heavy metals contamination and human industrial activities [9, 13, 21]. It can promote growth of certain kinds of bacteria that clog pipes and wells It is not essential or beneficial role in human or animal nutrition. Its toxicity is believed to be very minimal It is essential and beneficial in metabolism; its deficiency in young children or animals will retard growth and may decrease general body resistance to disease. For instances all activities conducted around the drinking water sources, onsite leaky septic tanks, and pit latrines All these factors influence the transportation, distribution, and fate of the chemicals, and other contaminants in the groundwater aquifers [20]. Abdul Ali Juma Mohamed et al.: Monitoring the Levels of Essential and Trace Metals in Groundwater along Fuoni Area in Zanzibar
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