Determination of trace and heavy metals in drinking water of Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan, Pakistan

Water is essential component of life. Pure drinking water is a necessity for humans. Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan. In Balochistan river and well water is mainly used for drinking and agriculture purposes. Current study was carried out to determine the concentration of trace and heavy metals in river (surface) and well water of Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan. Ten (10) samples were collected from each, river (surface) and well water. Physicochemicalparameters (PH, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solids, Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity and Color) were determined. Determination of trace and heavy metalsi.e. Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) were carried out using Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer. Except 3 samples (RW3, RW5 and WW6), the physicochemicalparameters were within the world health organization (WHO) and environmental protection agency Pakistan (EPA) limits.Concentration of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cuwere below the WHO and EPA limits. Concentration of Pb and Cd were higher than the standards set by WHO and EPA. Cr and Ni were not detected in any samples. Current study is the first study carried out to determine the concentration of trace and heavy metals in drinking water of Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan. Keywords: Heavy metals; Physiochemical parameters; Jhal Magsi; River water; Ground water http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2016.50161