Assessment Of Drinking Water Quality Research Articles

Assessment of Physical-Chemical Drinking Water Quality in the Logone Valley (Chad-Cameroon)

Unsafe drinking water is one of the main concerns in developing countries. In order to deal with this problem, a cooperation project was set up by the ACRA Foundation in the Logone valley (Chad-Cameroon). Water supplies were sampled throughout the villages of this area mostly from boreholes, open wells, rivers and lakes as well as some piped waters. The samples were analysed for their physical-chemical and microbiological quality in order to identify the contamination problems and suggest appropriate solutions. Results of the assessment confirmed that in the studied area there are several parameters of health and aesthetic concern. Elevated lead levels were detected both in aquifers and in surface waters, confirming that further investigations of the occurrence of lead contamination in the Logone valley are warranted. In addition, many groundwater sources are negatively impacted by parameters of aesthetic concern, such as turbidity, iron and manganese. Even though they do not affect human health, elevated levels of these parameters cause consumers to abandon improved water supplies, often in favour of surface water sources that are microbiologically contaminated. The use of alternative sources, improvement of water supply structures and water treatment are possible solutions to improve the quality of drinking water in the Logone valley.

Explanatory Interaction Profile of Cd, Pb and Zn on the Relative Abundance of Fe as Response Variable in Drinking Water Quality Assessment

Aims: The present study determined the quality status of drinking water in some locations of Northeastern Nigeria and attempted to present an explanatory interaction profile of Cd, Pb and Zn on the bases of the relative abundance of Fe in the drinking water samples. Study Design: The study was designed to follow a two step procedure viz. quality assessment of drinking water samples and explanatory interaction profile of Cd, Pb and Zn on the relative abundance of Fe using multiple linear regression analysis on quality data obtained. Place and Duration of Study: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) zonal laboratory, Maiduguri. April 2007 to June 2008. Methodology: Random grab water sampling technique was adopted. The determination of Fe Cd, Pb and Zn in drinking water samples were performed using the standard methods of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Analyse-it (version 2.26) statistical software for Microsoft Excel was used to perform multiple linear regression (MLR) Research Article International Research Journal of Pure & Applied Chemistry, 3(4): 404-416, 2013 405 analysis for the explanatory interaction profile study. Results: Result of drinking water quality status show that Fe was highest in all locations as anticipated and ranged between 1.317 ± 0.0192 mg/L and 0.14 ± 0.003 mg/L. Zn ranged between 0.015 ± 0.008 mg/L and 0.007 ± 0.004 mg/L. Cd concentration ranged from 0.004 ± 0.002 mg/L to 0.059 ± 0.001 mg/L while the mean Pb concentration ranged between 0.074 ± 0.021 mg/L and 0.001 ± 0.001 mg/L. Spectacularly Pb was not detected in all water samples from one of the three locations. MLR analysis revealed Pb as a key agent of reducing Fe concentration in the water systems and its impact tend to be more rigorous when the concentrations of Cd and Zn are comparatively higher than it. Conclusion: The result of this study indicated the need for Contaminant Control Programmes, specifically for Cd and Pb in ground water. The findings of the MLR analysis show that Fe varied diversely due to difference in the aquifer location concentrations of all three explanatory variables. Fe was found to be potentially lowered by the shared presence of all three explanatory variables, which was greatly influenced by the presence of Pb.

Drinking Water Quality Assessment at Source and Point-of-Use In Rural Mali: A Case Study

Drinking Water Quality Assessment at Source and Point-of-Use In Rural Mali: A Case Study

Drinking Water Quality Assessment in Tetova Region

Problem statement: The quality of drinking water is a crucial factor for human health. The objective of this study was the assessment of physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of the drinking water in the city of Tetova and several surrounding villages in the Republic of Macedonia for the period May 2007-2008. The sampling and analysis are conducted in accordance with State Regulation No. 57/2004, which is in compliance with EU and WHO standards. A total of 415 samples were taken for chemical, physical and bacteriological analysis. Approach: We had used the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI) for the quality assessment of drinking water. Results: The results of the samples taken in Tetova point to better hygienic and sanitary conditions than in the rural drinking network, mainly due to improper disinfection practices. The results show that the highest water quality was recorded at the SEEU (DWQI = 92.69), whereas the lowest quality at Shipkovica (DWQI = 63.18). Conclusion: This study strongly recommends the immediate correction of these issues to protect the health of population from water borne diseases as well as regular monitoring of the drinking water quality in the region.

Health risk assessment via surface water and sub-surface water consumption in the mafic and ultramafic terrain, Mohmand agency, northern Pakistan

This study investigates drinking water (surface water and sub-surface water) quality and potential health risk assessment in the mafic and ultramafic terrain of Bucha area, Mohmand agency, northern Pakistan. Heavy metal (HM) concentrations were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Statistical analyses like one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for contamination sources. Furthermore, HM health risk assessment showed that average daily dose (ADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) were found in the order of Cr>Fe>Ni>Cu>Mn>Zn>Co>Pb>Cd and Ni>Cd>Cu>Mn>Pb>Zn>Cr, respectively. Water contamination was the main source of diseases like diarrhea, viral hepatitis, headache, hypertension, abdominal pain, liver and kidney problems and fatal cardiac arrest as complained by most of the respondents during field visit and reported in basic health unit (BHU). In order to reduce the health risk, it is necessary that government immediately stop the contaminated sites for drinking water and should supply clean potable water to the inhabitants.

Application of ICP-MS and various computational methods for drinking water quality assessment from the Silesian District (Southern Poland)

Abstract In this study, more than 200 samples of drinking water from taps in the Silesian District (southern Poland) were analyzed. Concentrations of As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Te, Tl and V were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry technique (ICP-MS). The levels of the tested elements generally met European Union regulations. All analytical results were processed using computational methods, including the Pearson and Gini coefficients with the Lorenz curves, one-way ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, the Mann-Whitney U test, the variance correlation test and the Spearman’s test. In addition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Varimax and Cluster Analysis with Ward’s Method were applied. It was shown, that some parameters (e.g. hardness and alkalinity) were highly correlated. The score plot described the degree of mineralization of water samples, so the origin of water could be easily determined. In turn, based on the created dendrogram, the division of samples into several groups (with soft, medium and highly mineralized water) could be deduced.

Environmental geochemistry and quality assessment of mine water of Jharia coalfield, India

A long mining history and unscientific exploitation of Jharia coalfield caused many environmental problems including water resource depletion and contamination. A geochemical study of mine water in the Jharia coalfield has been undertaken to assess its quality and suitability for domestic, industrial and irrigation uses. For this purpose, 92 mine water samples collected from different mining areas of Jharia coalfield were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), major cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), anions (F−, Cl−, HCO3−, SO42−, NO3−), dissolved silica (H4SiO4) and trace metals. The pH of the analysed mine water samples varied from 6.2 to 8.6, indicating mildly acidic to alkaline nature. Concentration of TDS varied from 437 to 1,593 mg L−1 and spatial differences in TDS values reflect the variation in lithology, surface activities and hydrological regime prevailing in the region. SO42− and HCO3− are dominant in the anion and Mg2+ and Ca2+ in the cation chemistry of mine water. High concentrations of SO42− in the mine water of the area are attributed to the oxidative weathering of pyrites. Ca–Mg–SO4 and Ca–Mg–HCO3 are the dominant hydrochemical facies. The drinking water quality assessment indicates that number of mine water samples have high TDS, total hardness and SO42− concentrations and needs treatment before its utilization. Concentrations of some trace metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb) were also found to be above the desirable levels recommended for drinking water. The mine water is good to permissible quality and suitable for irrigation in most cases. However, higher salinity, residual sodium carbonate and Mg-ratio restrict its suitability for irrigation at some sites.

Bacteriological and physico-chemical quality assessment of household drinking water in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

An investigation on the bacteriological and physico-chemical properties of stored household drinking water in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria was carried out between April and October, 2008. The drinking water sources considered for examination were harvested rain water, tap water and well water stored in plastic water pots for 2 to 4 days. The waterborne pathogens in the samples that were isolated were characterized for antibiotic resistance. Estimation of bacterial loads in the water samples revealed mean total bacterial count (TBC) of 1.17 × 105, 1.30 × 104 and 9.70 × 104 cfu/ml for rain water, tap water and well water respectively. The mean-total coliform count (TCC) were recorded as 1.57 × 106, 7.40 × 105 and 5.70 × 105 cfu/ml for rain water, tap water and well water respectively. Seven bacteria genera comprising Escherichia (41.7%), Shigella (75%), Klebsiella (33.3%), Pseudomonas (25%), Staphylococcus (25%), Streptococcus (50%) and Enterococcus (20%) were isolated from stored rain water .Three genera comprising Escherichia coli (8.3%), Staphylococcus (25%) and Pseudomonas (75%) were isolated from stored tap water. In well water samples, nine genera comprising Escherichia (50%), Salmonella (100%) Enterococcus (80%) and Shigella (25%) Proteus (100%) Serratia (100%), Klebsiella (66.6%), Staphylococcus (50%) and Streptococcus (50%) were isolated. The antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that the majority of the bacteria isolated particulaly, Escherichia, Salmonella, Enterococcus and Shigella were resistant to common antibiotics which are still available in Nigerian market. The resistance pattern of the bacterial isolates ranged from 50–100% to amoxicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, cotrimoxazone, erythromycin, gentamicin. In terms of physico-chemical analysis, all the water samples met the WHO standard for drinking water. However, the results obtained revealed that adequate domestic water sanitation and disinfection programmes must be put in place to ensure safety against waterborne antibiotic resistant pathogens especially in developing countries.

Drinking water quality assessment in Southern Sindh (Pakistan)

The southern Sindh province of Pakistan adjoins the Arabian Sea coast where drinking water quality is deteriorating due to dumping of industrial and urban waste and use of agrochemicals and yet has limited fresh water resources. The study assessed the drinking water quality of canal, shallow pumps, dug wells, and water supply schemes from the administrative districts of Thatta, Badin, and Thar by measuring physical, chemical, and biological (total coliform) quality parameters. All four water bodies (dug wells, shallow pumps canal water, and water supply schemes) exceeded WHO MPL for turbidity (24%, 28%, 96%, 69%), coliform (96%, 77%, 92%, 81%), and electrical conductivity (100%, 99%, 44%, 63%), respectively. However, the turbidity was lower in underground water, i.e., 24% and 28% in dug wells and shallow pumps as compared to open water, i.e., 96% and 69% in canal and water supply schemes, respectively. In dug wells and shallow pumps, limits for TDS, alkalinity, hardness, and sodium exceeded, respectively, by 63% and 33%; 59% and 70%, 40% and 27%, and 78% and 26%. Sodium was major problem in dug wells and shallow pumps of district Thar and considerable percent in shallow pumps of Badin. Iron was major problem in all water bodies of district Badin ranging from 50% to 69% and to some extent in open waters of Thatta. Other parameters as pH, copper, manganese, zinc, and phosphorus were within standard permissible limits of World Health Organization. Some common diseases found in the study area were gastroenteritis, diarrhea and vomiting, kidney, and skin problems.

Regional Drinking Water Quality Assessment in the Middle East: An Overview and Perspective

Regional Drinking Water Quality Assessment in the Middle East: An Overview and Perspective

Using Ecological Risk Assessment Principles in a Source Water Protection Assessment

ABSTRACT It has become increasingly common to apply ecological risk assessment (ERA) principles to watershed and regional scale environmental management. This article describes the application of watershed ERA principles to the development of a source water protection assessment and a strategic watershed management plan. The primary focus was on the protection of drinking water quality, a concern typically addressed by human health risk assessors. The approach emphasizes adaptations to the problem formulation phase of ERA (defining assessment endpoints, developing conceptual models and an analysis plan) suitable for watershed management planning in a multi-objective, multi-stressor context. Physical, chemical, and biological attributes were selected for primary drinking water quality assessment endpoints, and coupled with additional assessment endpoints relevant to other environmental and social management objectives. Conceptual models helped the planning team to better understand and communicate the multiple natural and human stressors in the watershed and the causal pathways by which they affected drinking water. The article provides an example of the types of adaptations that can make ERA principles suitable for watershed management related to human health goals, and illustrates the efficiency of integrating health and ecological assessments.

In-a-Day Electrochemical Detection of Coliforms in Drinking Water Using a Tyrosinase Composite Biosensor

A rapid method for the detection of fecal contamination in water based on the use of a tyrosinase composite biosensor for improved amperometric detection of beta-galactosidase activity is reported. The method relies on the detection of phenol released after the hydrolysis of phenyl beta-D-galactopyranoside (PG) by beta-galactosidase. Under the optimized PG concentration and pH (4.0) values, a detection limit of 1.2x10(-3) unit of beta-galactosidase/mL-1 was obtained. The capability of the sensor for the detection of Escherichia coli was evaluated using polymyxin B sulfate to allow permeabilization of the bacteria membrane. A detection limit of 1x10(6) cfu of E. coli mL-1 was obtained with no preconcentration or pre-enrichment steps. To improve the analytical characteristics for bacteria detection, the processes involving galactosidase induction during incubation and membrane permeabilization were optimized. Using 0.25 mM isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside for the enzyme activity induction, and 10 microg mL-1 polymyxin B sulfate as permeabilizer agent, it was possible to detect bacteria concentrations as low as 10 cfu mL-1 after 5 h of enrichment. The possibility of detecting E. coli at the required levels for drinking water quality assessment (1 cfu/100 mL) is demonstrated, the time of analysis being shorter than 6.5 h and involving a simple methodology.

Drinking water quality assessment practices: an international perspective

The complexity of compliance monitoring was acknowledged by The Standards and Monitoring Committee of IWA who initiated a task force to investigate international practices. Results from an initial survey indicated that although most countries do have drinking water quality guidelines, only a few are enforcing these guidelines. It was evident that most of these countries do not incorporate analytical variability in the application of analytical results for compliance studies. A clear link between the regulator, the producer and the analyst does not exist. An effective system that assesses compliance to drinking water specifications and at the same time ensures the consumer safe and healthy water, therefore, does not exist for most consumers. In an effort to provide guidance to members of IWA, the water supplier, the analyst and the regulator, workshops should be held during the next two conferences of IWA. The output of these workshops should be guiding documents and networking opportunities that will facilitate effective and efficient skills transfer for compliance monitoring of drinking water in all the countries of the world.

Determination of natural radioactivity in public drinking water quality assessment

The determination of 90Sr and the gross α particleactivity originating from radium isotopes was performed on water samples atvarious stages of treatment taken from water treatment plants before distributionto the consumers.

Endotoxins, algae and Limulus amoebocyte lysate test in drinking water

Field and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the distribution of algae and bacteria, and investigate sources of endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) in drinking water. The field survey was performed on five drinking water systems located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania during the spring and summer of 1978. The highest concentrations of phytoplankton were found in uncovered finished water reservoirs. The major source of “endotoxic” response as measured by the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) gelation test was a non-specific reaction caused by algae. This was documented by a highly positive correlation of phytoplankton concentrations occurring in the reservoirs with respective LAL titers. Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta) was the most common alga, whereas Schizothrix calcicola was the most dominant Cyanobacterium found in the five water systems. LAL gelation test with C. vulgaris grown in the laboratory verified the phenomenon observed on samples collected in the field and indicated a non-specific reaction, whereas S. calcicola cultures under identical conditions produced a specific response. Alkali and lysozyme treatments were successful in distinguishing specific and non-specific LAL reactions. These two techniques in conjunction with LAL test are recommended for drinking water quality assessment.

Microbiological Analysis of Drinking Water of Kathmandu Valley

Drinking water quality assessment in Kathmandu valley has always been crucial with reference to public health importance. A study was conducted to evaluate the quality of drinking water of the valley. A total of 132 drinking water samples were randomly collected from 49 tube wells, 57 wells, 17 taps and 9 stone spouts in different places of Kathmandu valley. The samples were analyzed for microbiological parameters. Total plate and coliform count revealed that 82.6% and 92.4% of drinking water samples found to cross the WHO guideline value for drinking water. During the study, 238 isolates of enteric bacteria were identified, of which 26.4% were Escherichia coli, 25.6% were Enterobacter spp, 23% were Citrobacter spp, 6.3% were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5.4% were Klebsiella spp, 4.0% were Shigella spp, 3.0% were Salmonella typhi, 3.0% were Proteus vulgaris, 3.0% were Serratia spp and 1.0% were Vibrio cholerae . Key words: Drinking water; Public health; Coliform; Bacteria. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2667 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 112-114