Abstract
The study aimed to assess the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water and its potential health effect on study area population. Physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters in six stations of four water springs of Hajigak iron ore mine were studied. These four springs are the predominant source of water in this area. The inhabitant’s villages around the area of interest use these waters 12 months per year without any treatment. Whereas this mine consists of 66% of iron, 6 PPM gold, 26 PPM silver, thorium and some poly metals that directly affect the quality of water. The quality of these water sources has not been investigated and analyzed before for drinking purpose. Therefore studies on spring water quality required analysis for chemical, physical and bacteriological parameters. Chemical and physical analyses revealed that these spring waters are toxic free and the area has very fresh and good quality water based on the guidelines of World Health Organization, national standard of most Asian countries and standard values for Afghanistan. However, the bacteriological analysis detected the E. coli, fecal coli form and total coli form bacteria in water samples that may cause some diseases and health problems.
Highlights
Water is needed to process mineral resources in Afghanistan, and to supply existing communities and the associated community growth that may accompany a developing mining economy [1]
In this study the major and unique sources of drinking water of inhabitants of this area are springs that flow from high altitudes to downward, whilst washing out of its entire movement direction, which resulted in the contamination of water, the total coli form bacteria that exists in soil, vegetation cover and mammal’s feces; drinking water system is required to be monitored and regular lab analysis is conducted to find out the presence of each kind of bacteria and toxic agents periodically and/or annually
Positive test for total coli form bacteria indicates that the same sample must be analysis for either fecal coli form or E. coli bacteria
Summary
Water is needed to process mineral resources in Afghanistan, and to supply existing communities and the associated community growth that may accompany a developing mining economy [1]. Water quality is determined by physical, chemical and microbiological properties. These water quality characteristics throughout the world are characterized by wide variability. The quality of drinking water is a powerful environmental determinant of health [4]. Millions of people in developed countries do not have access to adequate and safe water supply. Natural processes and human activities are the main factors to contaminate and pollute the water sources overtime that lead to decrease of potable water. The continued consumption of toxic and contaminated water in a short period or over long term may cause serious health problems to the inhabitant of the area
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