Chemical and microbial investigation of drinking water sources from Kohat, Pakistan

Abstract

Safe drinking water is one of the basic human rights and essential need for healthy life. In Pakistan, the quality of drinking water is not being managed properly and various studies provide evidence that most of the drinking-water supplies are contaminated. In this study, 60 drinking water samples from both urban and rural areas of district Kohat were analyzed chemically and microbiologically, to find out their suitability for drinking purposes. Fifty-four samples were collected from hand pumps, streams, tanks, wells and tube wells, at 15 main population zones selected. Six bottled water samples were also taken from the open market for analysis. These were investigated for various chemical parameters including sodium (Na +), potassium (K +), sulfate (SO 4 2-), phosphate (PO 4-3), nitrate (NO 3-), and nitrite (NO 2-), using standard methods of analysis recommended by American Public Health Association (APHA). Microbiological analysis was also carried out for Escherichia coli, to find out any fecal contamination. The results of parameters showed variations from the WHO and Pakistan standard values for drinking water (Table 1). The K + and NO 2 − of 3%, SO 4 2− of 7%, Na + of 9% and NO 3 − of 16% samples were found to be higher than the WHO/Pakistan recommended values for drinking water. E. coli were found present in 70% of samples. From the results it was confirmed that majority of water sources are not safe to drink. Therefore, proper measures by the concerned authorities are required, to avoid health hazards.

A comparative study of bottled and tap water in Abbottabad city: Implications for stakeholders

“…All the properties were within acceptable range expect magnesium as shown in Table 1. Mg is important because it is a co-factor for more than 350 enzyme systems, how energy is used, and how the heart, blood vessels, and hormones work (Naeem et al, 2012). Most adults have about 40 g of Mg in their bodies.…”

Water quality evaluation using water quality index and pollution model in selected communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Niger Delta, Nigeria

“…The goal seeks to improve water quality by limiting contamination, eliminating dumping and reducing release of chemical substances and materials into the water, to increase safe use and reuse of water globally (WHO 2019; UNEP 2021).Water is needed and used globally by humans irrespective of nationality, tribe, region, religion, color or societal status because it is one of the greatest factors that determine human health and development (Li and Wu 2019; Delpla et al 2020). Despite its importance, the quality of available drinking water is often compromised due to pressures exerted on it by growing population, agricultural production, natural resource exploration and mining, urbanization, and industrialization (Naeem et al 2013;Li and Wu 2019). With increasing climate change challenges, rivers drying up, and wetlands being reclaimed, the continuous pollution of water resources by anthropogenic activities has cumulative impacts on humans.…”

“…With increasing climate change challenges, rivers drying up, and wetlands being reclaimed, the continuous pollution of water resources by anthropogenic activities has cumulative impacts on humans. Anthropogenic activities including dumping of mixed waste in water bodies, onshore and offshore hydrocarbon spillages, and open defecation contribute potentially toxic elements (PTEs) to water resources (Naeem et al 2013). Hydrocarbon contamination for example, exposes surface and underground water to toxic elements including benzene (which is a carcinogenic substance), and affects the quality of drinking water (UNEP 2011).…”