PHYSICOCHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND HEAVY METALS ANALYSIS OF DRINKING WATER OF TENCH BHATA, RAWALPINDI DISTRICT, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Pakistan is ranked 80th out of 122 countries in terms of drinking water quality. Coliforms, harmful metals, and pesticides are found in drinking water sources around the country, including surface and groundwater. Various WHO guidelines are routinely broken. Typhoid, giardiasis, intestinal worms, diarrhea, cryptosporidium infections, and gastroenteritis are all waterborne illnesses in Pakistan. According to the Intergovernmental Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Pakistan has the highest rate of infant fatalities due to water-related diarrhea in Asia, at 60%. So, this study aims to determine the drinking water quality at Tench Bhata Rawalpindi district, Pakistan. It investigates whether the drinking water quality parameters are within the WHO permissible limits or not. In this research, physical, chemical, biological, and Heavy metals analysis of water samples collected from different locations of Tench Bhatta Rawalpindi district, Pakistan were studied. 35 points were selected for drinking water samples through the city distribution system, according to the city map. Samples were collected in sterilized plastic bottles for analysis. The Physical parameters were measured using a Multi Parameter Tester. Chemical parameters were calculated by standard methods, Levels of some Heavy metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. These results suggest that Some indicators were found to be outside of WHO's allowed limits, putting consumers at risk. The residents in the area were found to be unaware of the drinking water's quality. People discard their rubbish in open areas near water sources. There are no water treatment facilities. When it rains, the water turns murky, and as it flows down the hill, it picks up a variety of impurities.