CHEMICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF DRINKING WATER IN DISTRICT PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the chemical quality of drinking water in the urban areas of District Peshawar, Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five urban areas of district Peshawar, (Hayatabad, University Campus, University Town, Peshawar City and Cantonment areas) from January, 2015 to June, 2015. Ethical approval was taken from the ethical committee of the Khyber Medical College (KMC), Peshawar, Pakistan. Total of 50 samples were collected from the study areas, with 10 water samples from each study areas. Water samples selected were properly sealed, labeled and were then aseptically transported to public health laboratory, KMC. All the water samples were investigated for selected water quality parameters i.e. carbon dioxide, total dissolved solids, nitrites, chlorides, chromium, lead and copper; by using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS 700). Results were analyzed and were presented in form of table and figures. RESULTS: Total of fifty (50) drinking water samples was selected. Study results showed that all the selected water quality parameters were beyond the WHO standard permissible limits except nitrites, chlorides and total solids concentrations which were found within permissible limits. CONCLUSION: Quality of drinking water was not in accordance to the WHO standards and thus might pose significant health risk upon its utilization. Moreover, the concerned sectors were suggested to regularly monitor drinking water resources and to report any contaminated or associated health risk to higher authorities for appropriate remedial measures to avoid morbidity and mortality associated with drinking water.