Effect Of Land-Use Patterns On Water Quality Characteristics Of Springs And Related Health Issues In City Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Assessing the association between land use land cover (LULC) and water quality helps protect freshwater supplies and meet the growing demand for water in industry, agriculture, communities, and drinking water supply. Spring water quality assessment of different areas in Muzaffarabad District was carried out by taking selected significant parameters, physical, chemical, biological, and heavy metals. Heavy metals including Pb, Cr, Cd, Fe, and Mn were also analyzed. Bacterial study of 12 Muzaffarabad District spring water samples showed alarming results. Springs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 have total bacterial growth above 500 CFU/ml, suggesting poor water quality. Springs 1–12 had coliforms, with Springs 3 and 6 having the most. Some water sample sites have coliform and bacterium contamination, may cause diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, and other water-related disorders. In heavy metal examination, most samples had acceptable Fe, Pb, Cr, and Cd levels, but some exceeded Mn limits. Springs 5 and 9 typically have greater Mn levels, while others stayed within guidelines. Spring 12's Crand Mn levels were high. These findings emphasize the necessity for continual monitoring and management to meet district spring water quality criteria. The result of the physical and chemical parameters of water samples showed several significant findings. Most notably, the levels of salts and pH exceeded the recommended limits set by Pak EPA across the majority of the springs. This suggests potential contamination sources or geological factors contributing to elevated levels, with salts potentially accumulating from agricultural runoff or natural mineral deposits, and pH levels influenced by various factors such as soil composition, industrial discharges, or acid rain. However, other physical parameters including temperature, TDS, (EC), and Turbidity were all within permissible limits, reflecting natural variations in water quality influenced by seasonal changes and local environmental conditions. Additionally, chemical parameters such as Cl, Na, carbonates, NaCl, hardness, and alkalinity were all within acceptable ranges, suggesting minimal anthropogenic contamination and favorable geological characteristics of the area. A study conducted 60 random surveys in nearby areas to assess waterborne illness effects. While most people considered the spring water visually and otherwise good, some reported waterborne diseases even after boiling. The incident affected many people but was not fatal to anyone. Sanitation and contamination awareness are widely available. The study also noted that urbanization, agricultural, and industrial expansion can introduce pesticides, sewage, and solid waste runoff into springs, threatening water quality and human health. Due to fuel leaks and spills, petrol pumps can contaminate surrounding springs, requiring maintenance, pollution control, and regular testing to assure water safety. Waste dumping near heavy traffic can pollute springs. For spring water integrity, waste treatment, monitoring, and community education are essential. Animal and human waste dumping near springs also poses contamination problems.