Organoleptic and palatability properties of drinking water sources and its health implications in Ethiopia: a retrospective study during 2010-2016
Journal Title: Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal - Year 2018, Vol 5, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of drinking water sources in Ethiopia and compare the water quality with the health-based target. For this purpose, the water quality database of Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from 2010 to 2016 was used. Methods: The concentration and other properties of the water samples were analyzed according to the Standard Methods of Water and Wastewater analysis. Quality control and quality assurance were applied in all stages following our laboratory standard operation procedures (SOPs). Results: The concentration of the selected parameters varied based on the type of water sources. The mean concentration of turbidity was higher in spring water (21.3 NTU) compared to tap (12.6 NTU) and well (3.9 NTU) water sources. The mean concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na+), and sulfate (SO4-2) was found to be higher in spring water sources than tap and well water sources. Comparably, the concentration of hardness, calcium, and magnesium was found to be higher in well water sources than spring and tap water sources. The bivariate analysis indicated that out of 845 analyzed water samples, more than 50% of the samples from Oromia region had turbidity, pH, TDS, hardness, Ca++, K+, and Na+ within an acceptable limit. In addition, the logistic regression analysis showed that water quality parameters were strongly associated with the type of water sources and regional administration at P < 0.05. Conclusion: More than 80% of the samples analyzed from drinking water sources were in agreement with WHO guidelines and national standards. However, the remaining 20% specifically, pH (25%), calcium (20%), hardness (18.1%), TDS (15.5%), and turbidity (13.3%) analyzed from improved water sources did not comply with these recommendations. Due to objectionable or unpleasant taste, people may force to look for alternative unprotected water sources that lead to health concerns.
Authors and Affiliations
Sisay Derso Mengesha , Abel Weldetinsae, Kirubel Tesfaye, Girum Taye
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP45332
- DOI 10.15171/EHEM.2018.30
- Views 525
- Downloads 0
Association of social, demographic, ecological factors, and underlying diseases with COVID-19 mortality rate: A crosssectional study
Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between demographic, social, and ecological factors, as well as underlying diseases (diabetes, kidney, liver, and hypertension) with the COVID-19 mortality r...
Determinants of source waste separation behavior in Iranian high school students: An application of the theory of planned behavior
Background: Nowadays, one of the most serious environmental concerns is the appropriate management and disposal of municipal waste, which can lead to significant environmental consequences. This study aimed to examine...
Activation of persulfate by TiO2-Fe3O4 nanocomposite for reactive red 198 degradation along with modeling and optimization approach
Background: Recently, sulfate radical-based photocatalytic processes have attracted significant interests because of unique advantages in pollutants purification. In this study, TiO2-Fe3O4 nanocomposites in the presenc...
Investigation of heavy metal concentrations (lead, cadmium, and arsenic) in vegetables irrigated with synthetic effluent and well water: Risk assessment of carcinogenicity and noncarcinogenicity
Background: The growing use of treated wastewater in farming has raised concerns about the potential impacts on public health. Methods: This study assessed the levels of the heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and ar...
Presenting an environmental performance evaluation model for gas refineries: A case study in the South Pars Gas Complex, Iran
Background: Controlling and validating the environmental performance of organizations, is a major problem that has been stated in the international standard ISO 14031. The aim of this study was to present a model for e...