ASSESSMENT OF GROUND WATER QUALITY AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH (A CASE STUDY OF SHORKOT CITY), (JHANG) PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Achieving resourceful, beneficial and cost-effective water purification techniques for the public is the important to human existence and growth, because the management of water at present is a global issue. Water is the main resource vital for supporting all human actions, so its provision in preferred quantity and quality is of highest significance. Water contamination effects drinking water quality which subsequently damages health of humans. The current research mainly focuses on evaluating the drinking water quality in Shorkot City of Jhang district and its potential effects on human health. The objective of the research was to find out the spatial distribution of water contaminants and their concentration in the ground water quality and analyze the impact of drinking water on the health of humans of study area besides to identify the main waterborne diseases. Different analyses comprising of physical, chemical and microbiological examinations were performed on the water samples collected from 45 areas of the study area. Locations of these samples were noted with the help of Global Positing System (GPS). Data was presented by Geo Statistical Analysis technique in ArcGIS10x. The interpolation of the consequences of drinking water sample points was observed by Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) methods. The concentration of TDS 62%, Alkalinity 12%, turbidity 6%, calcium 62%, magnesium 6%, hardness 44% and chloride 28% values exceeds as compared to WHO proposed standard limit. Similarly, the value of PH 100% remains under the permissible limit and Electrical conductivity 100% values exceed as compared to WHO proposed standard limit values. Survey results showed that higher concentration of calcium, TDS, chloride, magnesium, turbidity, Alkalinity, Electrical conductivity and hardness cause Dysentery, Typhoid, Cholera, Diarrhea, Gastroenteritis, Hepatitis, Scabies, Kidney stone, Asthma, Cancer, Heart diseases. Quality of water becomes worse due to agricultural substances, untreated industrial discharge and urban effluent that effect on their health. It is hoped that, results of this research will provide worthwhile perceptions for safe water provision for the people of the study area and justifiable management of resources of drinking water to decrease the human health risks.