Approach to assessment of heavy metals contamination in drinking water, Mandalay region, Myanmar

Abstract

People use their drinking water sources from surface water or ground water. Contaminants including heavy metals have found their way into water supplies due to inadequate treatment and disposal of waste and industrial discharges. The present study aimed to assess the water quality parameters including heavy metals in drinking water from 120 tube wells in 6 townships (Aung-Myay-Tharzan, Chan-Aye-Tharzan, Chan-Mya-Tharzi, Mahar-Aung-Myay, Pyigyi-Tagon and Amarapura) of Mandalay region, Myanmar. Lovibond Water Testing (Photometer SpectroDirect) was used for testing turbidity, total hardness, chloride, cyanide and nitrite. Acidity (pH), electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were tested by Pocket Pro™ Tester. Arsenic, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, mercury, lead and zinc were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Turbidity and pH in 5 out of 6 townships, total dissolved solids in 4 townships and electrical conductivity in 3 townships were higher than MPL in some samples but the other remaining parameters were complied with WHO limit. The levels of iron in all townships, manganese in 3 townships, arsenic and lead in 1 township respectively were detected in some samples more than the maximum permissible limit (MPL) of WHO and other metals were within MPL. Therefore, the quality of drinking water should be assessed constantly.