Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality of Different Sources in the Flood Affected Area in Tehsil Gandakha, District Usta Muhammad, Balochistan

Abstract

The current research encompasses the examination of several physiochemical, biological, and heavy metal parameters in the surface water of Tehsil Gandakha, located in District Usta Muhammad. A total thirty-nine (39) water samples were obtained from 39 locations where individuals were either directly using surface water from the Kirthar canal or storing the surface water in ponds. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed according to the American Public Health Association, 2011. The heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, while the biological samples were analyzed at the laboratory of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources. It was discovered that total Coliform was found in nearly all samples, as values were too numerous to count. Only two locations, Goth. M. Bux Mithazai and Goth. Seetal Mori, where no coliform were detected.The findings indicated that many parameters, including Electrical Conductivity (EC), were seen to exceed the threshold of permeability in all surveyed sites. The geographical location of Goth. Aqil Jagrani had the highest values for many characteristics across all sites. These parameters include Electric Conductivity (11520 uS/cm), Sulphate (1193 mg/l), Chloride (2712 mg/l), Total Dissolved Solids (6912 mg/l), and Iron (1.8 mg/l). The Potential of Hydrogen (pH), Alkalinity, Nitrate and Fluoride parametric values that were established in compliance with Pakistan EPA were observed to be within the permeable limit. In all samples with the exception of a few, the allowed limits for SO4 and Cl were surpassed. Turbidity and EC were observed to be over the limits. The heavy metals contamination was also detected. It was also observed that the concentration of nickel and zinc in Goth Ali Gul Khan Qambrani was the highest level and second highest value; 0.9054 mg/l and 13.7944 mg/l respectively. The concentration of Iron was seen to exceed the threshold of permissible limit in all samples. The concentration of Zinc was detected in Kritsabad at 16.12 mg/l which highest level among the all samples. This research suggests the use of water filtration plants and treatment facilities as a strategy to limit and manage the occurrence of waterborne diseases, hence reducing potential hazards and Campaign informing locals of Tehsil Gandakha, District Usta Muhammad about the health concerns of polluted water.