Physico-chemical Analysis of Drinking Water Sources at Sampling Point of Billitang, Kda, Nasrat Khel and Chongee of District Kohat, k.p.k., Pakistan

7/29/2019 Physico-chemical Analysis of Drinking Water Sources at Sampling Point of Billitang, Kda, Nasrat Khel and Chongee

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Ijaz Ahmad et al., IJSID, 2012, 2 (6), 598-609

International Journal of Science Innovations and Discoveries, Volume 2, Issue 6, November-December 2012

598

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES AT SAMPLING POINT OF BILLITANG, KDA, NASRAT

KHEL AND CHONGEE OF DISTRICT KOHAT, K.P.K., PAKISTAN

Ijaz Ahmad*1, Khan Bahadar1, Hussain Ullah1, Ali Rehman1, Hamid Iqbal2, Abdul Wahab3, Azhar Ul Haq1, Murad Ali

Khan1 and Fozia Ijaz4

1Department of Chemistry, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;

3Department of Microbiology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;

3Department of Pharmacy, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;

4KMU Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Khyber Medical University, Kohat-26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

ISSN:2249-5347

IJSID

International Journal of Science Innovations and Discoveries An International peerReview Journal for Science

Research Article Available online through www.ijsidonline.info

Received: 10-11-2012

Accepted: 11-12-2012

*Corresponding Author

Address:

Name:

Dr.Ijaz Ahmad

Place:

Pakhtunkhwa, PakistanE-mail:

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research work is to assess the quality of drinking water. For the

assessment, of water quality, total 18 drinking water samples were collected from

different sources including Hand pumps, Well, Streams, storage and Tube Wells of District

Kohat at sampling points of Billitang, KDA, Nasrat Khel and Chongee. All these samples

were subjected for physicochemical analysis. All these samples were analyzed for

parameters like pH, Electrical conductivity, TS, TDS, TSS, Alkalinity, Chlorides, Total

hardness, Ca+2 , Mg+2 , Na+1 , K+1 , using the standard methods of APHA. The value of few

heavy metals like As, Pb and Se were determined using Atomic Absorption

Spectrophotometer. The results showed variation from the WHO/Pakistan standard for

drinking water. The results indicated that most of the samples were contaminated due to

geological strata. Among the sources, storage and Wells were found highly polluted while

tube wells were found to be the most suitable source for drinking water.

KEY WORDS: Heavy Metals, Drinking water, Physico-chemical Parameters


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INTRODUCTION

Water is the most common, wide distributed and useful liquid on the earth [1]. The average human adult

contain two third of water by weight, the brain is 85 % water, muscles contain 77% and bones 33% [1]. Good

quality drinking water is of Fundamental importance to human physiology [2]. Water covers approximately 75% o

the Earth surface existing in all the three states as ice, liquid and steam. It is used in many ways from drinking to

industrial and agricultural purposes [3].

As water contains minerals, important for human as well as for other living beings, so it is an essentia

component for survival of life on earth [4]. Water quality changes due to physical, biological and chemica

conditions that occur as results of physical and anthropogenic activities [5]. Water quality has direct impact on

public health. When water gets contaminated with various pathogenic microorganisms and toxic chemica

compounds, then it serves as the main source of infectious diseases. According to WHO, 80% diseases in the world

are caused by inadequate sanitation, pollution and unavailability of clean water. Polluted drinking water causes

several diseases like typhoid, cholera, dysentery, which are responsible for mortalities and morbidities in a large

scale[6].

Arsenic is one of the poisonous materials which enter into the human body through drinking water causing

many diseases [7]. In some areas of Pakistan, shallow and deep water reservoirs are highly contaminated with

arsenic [8]. Water occurs on earth as salt water and fresh water. About 94% of the water on earth is salt water. The

remaining 6% of water constitutes the fresh water resource of the total earth water, 68.7% is held in ice caps and

glaciers, 30.1% is ground water, 03% is surface water and 0.04% is atmospheric water [9-12]. Water pollution is

defined as the introduction into a water body of substances of such character and in such quality to alter the water

body. This alteration impairs its usefulness, affects the health of living organisms or renders it offensive to the

senses of sight, taste or smell [13].

Substance that contaminates groundwater can be divided into two basic categories, substances that occur

naturally and substances produced by mans activities. Naturally occurring substance includes minerals such as

iron, calcium, selenium etc, substances produced as a results of mans activities include synthetic organic chemicals

and hydrocarbons (e.g. pesticides, petroleum products etc) and landfill and ponds [14]. Majority of today

groundwater contamination problems arise from mans activities and can be introduced to the groundwater from

variety of sources. One of the major sources of groundwater contamination is the improper surface disposition of

the variety of liquid wasted and wastewater [15]. In Pakistan, there is scarcity of water particularly in rural areas[16].The available water is of very poor quality [17]. At the present situation, in case of urban areas only 80% and

in case of rural areas only 11% of the population has access to the piped water supply whereas [18]. In most of the

areas the population is dependent on irrigation water for their domestic needs rather than drinking water [19]. In

K.P.K the situation is still worse, where only about 50 % of the total population has access to proper water supply

schemes[20].


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EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

EQUIPMENTS: Perkin-Elmer 3110 model flame atomic absorption spectrometer, Perkin-Elmer 400 model atomic

absorption spectrometer, pH meter [HI 8428,Hana], conductivity meter [PC m3-Jenwary]

CHEMICALS: double ionized distilled water, 0.02N (H2SO4, silver nitrate (0.043N, complex-metric EDTA, potassium

chromate

Collection of water Samples

All the samples were collected in the month of June 2010. The locations selected for the investigation are

from Tehsil and District Kohat at sampling points of Billitang, KDA, Nasrat Khel and Chongee as shown in Fig 1-

15. Before the collection of samples each bottle was first rinsed with sample for pre-concentration. The

collected samples were analyzed on various physico-chemical parameters.

Analysis of Samples

The instruments were calibrated before analysis for each parameter. All the stocks solutions were

prepared with double ionized distilled water. All the chemicals used for analysis were of analytical grade

(Merck and BDH) and were use d wi tho ut a ny f urt her pur ific ati on. PH of water was determined by

using pH meter [HI 8428,Hana]. Conductance of water was determined by using conductivity meter [PC m3

Jenwary]. Total solids (TS), Total dissolved solids (TDS) and total suspended solids were determined by using

standards methods of American Public Health Association [21].

The alkalinities were determined by titrating 0.02N (H2SO4) solution with the samples. Chlorides were estimated

by titration method using silver nitrate (0.043N) as standard solution and potassium chromate as indicator. Tota

hardness including calcium and magnesium were investigated by complex-metric EDTA titration method. Alkal

metals (Na and K) were determined by using Perkin-Elmer 3110 model flame atomic absorption spectrometer

Determination of Ca. Mg, As, Pb and Se were carried out by using Perkin-Elmer 400 model atomic absorption

spectrometer. Physical measurement and chemical analysis were carried out triplicate for each sample and

the average values were recorded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The different parameters of the drinking water exhibited considerable variations from sample to sample.

All the measurements were carried out at room temperature. Experiments were carried out to ascertain the

contamination levels of drinking water. Results of present study are presented in Table 1-2 respectively. The

results are also analyzed graphically (Figure 1-15). Blink spaces in figures shows non availability of anycontaminant. The values of parameters are in between the minimum and maximum and they were graphically

plotted individually. This effort has enabled us to determine the pH, Electrical conductivity, Total Solids(TS), Tota

dissolved solids(TDS), Total suspended solids (TSS), Alkalinity, Chlorides, total hardness, Ca+2 , Mg+2 , Na+1 K+1 and

Heavy Metal (As, Pb & Se) of the samples.

The pH range recommended by WHO and Pakistan Council of Research in water Resources (PCRWR) is 6.5


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8.5, while the highest desirable level according to PCRWR is in the range of 7-8.5. As shown in the Tabel-1, all the

water samples are slightly alkaline and had pH in the range of 7.25-8.2. Concentration less than 1000ppm is

accepted as the limit for TDS both by the WHO and Pakistan Standard. Nasrat Khel well sample has the highest TDS

values and KDA tube well with lowest.

The tested water samples for conductivity lie in the range between 607-3030 S/cm which is below the

permissible limit (400 S/cm). The total solids (TS) of drinking water samples taken from various locations varied

from 685-4325ppm) while the recommended limit for Ts is 1000ppm. Out of the total 18 samples studied,only 6

samples possessed total solids in the permissible limits. Concentration less than 1000ppm is accepted as the limit

for TDS both by the WHO and Pakistan standards. Nasrati Khel sample has the highest TDS value, i.e. 4152ppm.The

values of TSS in the water were also higher than the WHO and Pakistan limits. However values up to 50ppm, is

generally accepted in drinking water sources, after considering the accuracy of experiment. Alkalinity is the term

traditionally used for the quantity measured by titration to pH 8.3. When it is zero then carbonates and hydroxide

are absent and the bicarbonates alkalinity represents the total alkalinity. WHO/Pakistan standard value for tota

alkalinity in drinking water is 500ppm. It was found that the drinking water samples were having Total alkalinity

values within the permissible WHO/Pakistan limits. It varied in the range 104-317ppm as shown in table 1-2

respectively. As the entire water sample analysed had pH less than 8.3; therefore, only bicarbonate alkalinity was

present.

Total hardness is defined as the sum of calcium and magnesium concentration both expressed as CaCO3

Ground water is usually harder than surface water. There are two types of hardness, temporary and permanent

hardness respectively. Temporary hardness is caused due to the presence of bicarbonate of calcium magnesium

and other bivalent metals. This is known as carbonates hardness. Permanent hardness is caused due to the

presence of sulphates and chlorides hardness constituting cat-ions. This is also known non-carbonate hardness

These salts are very corrosive, deposits scales in steam boilers. Hard water may cause inflammation of intestines

The total limit of hardness is recommended by WHO and PCRWR are 500ppm and 200ppm, respectively. Tota

hardness of the water samples was in the range of 173-2393ppm.So out of the total 18 samples 16 samples were

having hardness higher than the prescribe limits of WHO and PCRWR. Calcium is present in all natural water and

its level depends upon the types of rocks through which the water passes. It is usually present in the form of

carbonates, bicarbonates, sulphates, chlorides and nitrates. Calcium contributes to the hardness of water. WHO

Standard for chlorides in drinking water is 250ppm. Only 6 samples have chloride concentration in the permissiblelimits of WHO Standard. A high level of Chlorides may cause gastrointestinal problems, irritation and dehydration.

Only 12 out of 18 samples were containing sodium concentration in the WHO permissible limits i.e

200ppm. 16 out of 18 samples contained potassium in the acceptable WHO limits i.e. 12ppm. WHO standard for

Arsenic is 0.01ppm in drinking water so the values are higher than standard in the samples ranges from 0.001

0.042ppm. High level of Arsenic in drinking water causes skin damage, circulatory system problems, increase risk


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of cancer. Arsenic is the 20th most common element in the earths crust, sedimentary rocks and soil.

WHO/Pakistan standard values for lead is 0.015ppm in drinking water, therefore, all the Samples wer

contaminated with lead, ranges from 0.001-0.078ppm.The first reason of high value of Pb may be due to the releas

of dust by Kohat Cement Company limited throughout the year, resulting in serious ground water contamination

The second reason may be the use of chemicals in irrigation area in the fields. The third reason may be wate

collected from road sides. Smokes and wastes of vehicles are deposited on the soil surface and in rainy season i

result in considerable rise in the contamination of wells water. This high level of Pb would cause anemia, dizzines

irresistibility, weakness of muscles, hallucination and renal damage. The WHO standard for Selenium is 0.01ppm i

drinking water. Most of the samples contain Selenium higher than the standard value, ranges from 0.003-0.042ppm

High level of Selenium causes hair or fingernail loss, numbness in fingers or toes, circulatory problems. The ma

source of selenium intake for humans is through plant foods in which the plants concentrate the selenium found i

soil or taken from ground water used for irrigation. The presence of selenium in well water depends on the rock an

soil type in the area. Weathering and erosion in these areas can lead to the presence of selenium in ground wate

As rocks are mostly prevalent in district Kohat so this might be one of the possible reasons of selenium existence i

drinking water.

Table-1: Selected quality indices of drinking waters of Billitang, KDA, Nasrat Khel and Chongee of District Kohat,

KP, Pakistan.

Parameters Hand pumps Streams Storages Tube wells Wells

pH 7.42-7.75 7.95-8.2 7.63-7.7 7.35-7.76 7.25-7.76

Electrical conductivity (S/cm) 937-2818 789-2855 785-1515 607-1639 953-3030

TS (ppm) 973-4078 812-4198 852-1765 685-1898 970-4325

TDS (ppm) 932-3897 786-3793 803-1537 653-1892 832-4152

TSS (ppm) 41-247 26-405 47-228 32-147 106-174

Alkalinity (ppm) 181-264 104-213 168-317 129-186 153-211

Total hardness (ppm) 173-1246 549-624 461-714 456-1280 563-2393

Ca+2 hardness (ppm) 144-832 285-334 281-397 290-829 337-1727

Mg+2 hardness (ppm) 34-573 265-295 99-352 171-456 127-671

Chlorides (ppm) 208-788 93-177 192-697 170-702 292-1992

Na+1 (ppm) 101-955 29-129 61-397 99-115 85-509

K+1 (ppm) 4.4 13 4.8 13 2.9 - 6 2 - 5 3.5 - 8.2

Table-2: Heavy metal levels (mg/l) in drinking waters of Billitang, KDA, Nasrat Khel and Chongee of District Kohat

KP, Pakistan.

Parameters Hand pumps Streams storages Tube wells WellsARSENIC (ppm) 0.003-0.01 0.007-0.008 0.018-0.039 0.001-0.006 0.021-0.042

LEAD (ppm) 0.005-0.009 0.001-0.005 0.069-0.078 0.003-0.007 0.043-0.066

SELLENIUM (ppm) 0.004-0.008 0.005-0.009 0.018-0.042 0.003-0.009 0.014-0.032


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6.66.8

7

7.27.47.67.8

88.28.4

pH

Sampling Area

pH

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 1: Level of pH in drinking water samples of the selected areas

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

EC(S/cm)

Sampling Area

EC

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 2: Level of Electrical Conductivity in drinking water samples of the selected areas

0

50010001500200025003000350040004500

Con

c.ppm

Sampling Area

TDS

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 3: Level of Total Dissolved Solids in drinking water samples of the selected areas


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0500

10001500

2000250030003500400045005000

Co

nc.ppm

Sampling Area

TS

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 4: Level of Total Solids in drinking water samples of the selected areas

050

100150200250300350400450

500

Conc.ppm

Sampling Area

TSS

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 5: Level of Total Suspended Solids in drinking water samples of the selected areas

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Conc.ppm

Sampling Area

Alkalinity as Bicarbonates

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 6: Level of Alkalinity in drinking water samples of the selected areas


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Ca + Mg Hardness

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

Billit

ang

KD

A

NasratK

hel

Cho

ngee

Sampling Areas

Conc.ppm

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 7: Level of Total Hardness in drinking water samples of the selected areas

Fig 8: Level of Calcium Hardness in drinking water samples of the selected areas

0100

200300400500600700800

Conc.ppm

Sampling Area

Mg hardness

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 9: Level of Mg Hardness in drinking water samples of the selected area


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Fig 10: Level of Chlorides in drinking water samples of the selected areas

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Conc.ppm

Sampling Areas

Na

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 11: Level of Sodium in drinking water samples of the selected areas

Fig 12: Level of Potassium in drinking water samples of the selected areas


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00.0050.01

0.015

0.020.0250.03

0.0350.04

0.045

Co

nc.ppm

Sampling Area

As

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 13: Level of Arsenic in drinking water samples of the selected areas

0

0.010.020.03

0.040.05

0.060.070.08

0.09

Bil li tang K D A Nasrat Khel Chongee

Conc.ppm

Sampling Area

Pb

Hand pump

Stream

storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 14: Level of Lead in drinking water samples of the selected areas

0

0.0050.01

0.015

0.02

0.025

0.03

0.035

0.04

0.045

Billitang K D A Nasrat Khel Chongee

Conc.ppm

Sampling Area

Se

Hand pump

Stream

Storage

Tube well

Well

Fig 15: Level of Selenium in drinking water samples of the selected areas


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CONCLUSION

The complete study of this research results reveals that drinking water has polluted in Kohan, Pakistan. In

this research 18 samples were collected from different drinking water sources of Tehsil & district Kohat (Pakistan)

for important physicochemical parameters using the Standard methods of APHA. The results were compared with

WHO Standard for drinking water. This study indicated that most of the samples were contaminated either due to

one or more reason. Only the pH, total alkalinity and Potassium value of the samples were in permissible range

while Electrical Conductivity, TS, TDS, Chlorides, TSS, calcium, Total hardness, Magnesium, Sodium, Arsenic, Lead

and selenium of samples were found higher than the WHO standards. These results compelled us to conclude that

the quality of drinking water of District & Tehsil Kohat (Pakistan) is highly contaminated and it is suggested that

only treated water should be used for drinking purposes.

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Documents

Physico-chemical Analysis of Drinking Water Sources at Sampling Point of Billitang, Kda, Nasrat Khel and Chongee of District Kohat, k.p.k., Pakistan