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Physico-chemical and bacteriological analysis of tap water of a Residential University of Pakistan

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • 2Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 10, Issue (3), Pages 15-29, July,22 (2021)

Abstract

Regular monitoring and management of drinking water is necessary to ensure public health. This study was performed to examine the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of tap water of a residential university (National University of Sciences and Technology, NUST) in Pakistan. Samples were obtained from six randomly selected institutes of NUST for a period of four months (November-2019, December-2019, January-2020 and February-2020) to evaluate variations in selected parameters. Ten physicochemical parameters were analyzed pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Dissolved oxygen (DO), Alkalinity, Hardness, Total organic carbon (TOC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), Total suspended solids (TSS), Turbidity, Free and total chlorine. Bacteriological analysis was conducted through Most Probable Number (MPN) technique. The results highlighted that all the selected physicochemical parameters of tap water samples for the selected months were found within the permissible limits set by WHO and PSDWQ except DO, TDS, TSS, Free and total chlorine. DO, TSS and TDS were found exceeding the prescribed limits throughout the study, however detection of chlorine at consumer end (tap water) was almost negligible indicating poor disinfection system. The results of microbial analysis clearly forbid residents to drink tap water as high microbial loads were detected. As no residual chlorine was maintained till the consumer end it justifies high microbial load in tap water. Results conclude that improving water disinfection is highly recommended for maintaining public health.

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