Trace elements in drinking water in district west of Karachi

ABSTRACT

Several trace elements are present in drinking water. They play various important roles in the body, provided their level remains within the specification/ recommendation given from time to time by WHO. The study was carried out during the year 2005. Drinking water samples were collected from different sources and localities of District West of Karachi. After collection of samples, the concentration of the trace elements i.e. Lead, Arsenic, Copper, Iron, Mercury, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Cadmium and Zinc were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Concentrations of lead and nickel were found to be highly significantly elevated as compared to WHO recommended levels in all the three sources of water [Piped water, Hand pump water and Tanker water supply] in District West of Karachi. Chromium was found to be raised as compared with the WHO recommended level in hand pump water of District West. Arsenic and Mercury were not detected in any source of water in District West. Copper, iron, manganese, cadmium and zinc were found to be within the safe limits set by WHO in all the three sources of water of District West. Concentrations of lead and nickel were found to be highly significantly elevated as compared to WHO recommended levels in all the three sources of water [Piped water, Hand pump water and Tanker water supply] in District West of Karachi. Chromium was found to be raised as compared with the WHO recommended level in hand pump water of District West