Abstract
Human beings could be exposed to impacts associated with heavy metals such as lead (Pb) through drinking water. The objective of this study was to evaluate quality of water consumed by kindergarten school children in Addis Ababa city, who are highly susceptible to issues related to heavy metals in water. Through conducting chemical analysis, using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (MP-AES), the level of lead (Pb) was measured at 38 selected schools in the city. Drinking water samples were taken from three water supply sub-systems: Akaki, Legedadi, and Gefersa. Results revealed the average Pb concentration in the city was 62.37 μg/L which is significantly higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended threshold value of 10 μg/L. The children's blood lead levels and exposure to Pb were also calculated using the integrated exposure uptake bio-kinetic (IEUBK) model as per USEPA guidelines. Estimated geometric mean blood lead levels (BLLs) for each school ranged from 4.4 to 13.2 μg/dL. On average, the model predicted that 20% of children in the city will have blood lead levels above the WHO recommended 10 μg/dL. The study can be considered as an unprecedented piece of work as it addresses critical issues and methods to mitigate problems caused by high concentration of Pb in water supply distribution infrastructure.
Highlights
Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal whose widespread use has caused extensive environmental contamination and health problems in many parts of the world (Cañas et al )
; Winther & Slentø ; Yalemsew et al ). It can be taken into the body as a result of the corrosion of drinking water supply systems covered with lead, and may result in health problems in the form of learning and behavioral disorders, such as mental retardation (Bakir et al )
The findings revealed that all raw water samples taken from the three treatment plants had lead concentrations above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended 10 μg/L (WHO )
Summary
Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal whose widespread use has caused extensive environmental contamination and health problems in many parts of the world (Cañas et al ). ; Winther & Slentø ; Yalemsew et al ). It can be taken into the body as a result of the corrosion of drinking water supply systems covered with lead, and may result in health problems in the form of learning and behavioral disorders, such as mental retardation (Bakir et al ). Lead in drinking water may come from contamination at the source, but it can be present in tap water as a result of its dissolution from natural sources; rather, its presence is primarily from household plumbing systems containing lead in pipes, joints, fittings, or the service connections to homes (WHO )
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