Physicochemical, Selected Essential And Non-Essential Metals Characterization Of Protected Spring Drinking Water In Jarso Town, Chalia Woreda, West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Water is the most abundant substance on the earth’s surface for the survival of all known forms of life. Next to the air we breathe, water is human kind most important substance. It is always the vital commodity for humans. In the present study, two samples were analyzed for some physicochemical parameters and selected metals using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer and flame photometer following standard methods and laboratory procedures. The experimental procedures were set according to the international drinking water standards set by American Public Health Association (APHA).A total of nine physicochemical and twelve metals were analyzed in order to understand the characteristic and quality status of the two streams. The results were compared with standards prescribed by (CES, 2013) and (WHO, 2011, 2017). The recorded mean concentration of total iron were 0.49±0.03 mg/L (in Tukuro) and 1.26±0.05 mg/L (in Danisa) springs which is above CES and WHO (0.3 mg/L). Potassium 5.05±0.10 mg/L in Tukuro is higher than 1.5 mg/L set by CES and WHO. Turbidity in Tukuro sample site (5.52±0.42 NTU) is above 5 NTU (CES and WHO). The PH value in Danisa was 6.05±0.14 unit which was below 6.5 – 8.5 set by WHO and CES. Dissolved oxygen in Tukuro (11.14±0.10 mg/L) and in Danisa water sample (14.09±0.20 mg/L) which is above permissible limits of ECS and WHO (5.0 – 7.0 mg/L). All the rest listed parameters above were within the recommended permissible limits of CES and WHO standards that agreed with drinking water quality level. The concentrations of each parameter among the selected sites were significantly different (ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05). Based on the current study result, the two protected spring water are almost safe for drinking purposes even though some of the parameters are slightly above the CES and WHO permissible limits.