Abstract
Rainwater harvesting systems are becoming more acceptable as an alternative method to harvest water sources for both potable and non-potable uses. While the method has proven to be very simplistic and cost-effective, the collected rainwater source remains untreated and can pose serious health concerns if not used properly. This study focused on the physicochemical and heavy metal parameters of roof-collected rainwater in Miri, Sarawak. Individual sites were chosen throughout Miri, Sarawak for representative samples. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used for the analysis of heavy metal concentrations. Heavy metal analysis included manganese, zinc, iron, copper, and cadmium. pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, and fluoride were among the physicochemical parameters examined. Seasonal comparison indicated the majority of the higher concentration levels occurred during the wet season. The overall mean concentration for the physicochemical parameters indicated CLASS I usage, with the exception of BOD5, which was CLASS III usage. The overall mean concentration for metals analyzed indicated a CLASS I usage threshold with the exception of copper, which had concentrations well above the 0.02mg/L threshold for all sites. Thus, copper was considered one of the major contaminants for this study. Moreover, the types of storage tanks also showcased key findings. Open top storage tanks are more vulnerable to contamination than closed storage tanks. Metal storage tanks offer higher rainwater temperatures in comparison to other types of storage tanks.
Highlights
Water plays a key role in sustaining both life and development on earth, and over-exploitation and human negligence over the decades have led to a significant decrease in the availability of potable and non-potable water resources across the globe [1]
The overall mean in-situ dissolved oxygen (DO) record for roof-collected rainwater collected from the storage tanks varied between tanks, with site 11 being the highest (DO 8.10 ± 0.19) and site 1 the lowest (DO 5.36 ± 1.00)
Nine of twelve samples indicated in-situ DO levels over 7mg/L during, which classified them as CLASS I usage while the other 3 sites (Site 1, Site 5 and Site 9) reported values of 6.06mg/L, 6.58mg/L and 6.52mg/L for the wet season (CLASS IIA/IIB)
Summary
Water plays a key role in sustaining both life and development on earth, and over-exploitation and human negligence over the decades have led to a significant decrease in the availability of potable and non-potable water resources across the globe [1]. Climate change and poor water management continue to be major threats to wildlife and communities [2,3]. Previous studies indicated a strong coherent relationship between the increase in the population, urbanization, Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution 1(2), 2021, 87-97 and climate change [4,5]. The collection and treatment of water sources over the years has seen exceptional advancements in technological application to improve water quality distribution to homes, business districts and industrial areas [6]. With modern treatment methods and the available flexibility of existing rainwater harvesting methods, rainwater harvesting can be considered suitable for both current and future domestic use [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
