Water Quality Determination and Classification Based on Physio-Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Kaam Spring, Zliten, Libya
Hosam Ali Aldhawi Ashokri* , Fawzi Salem Rajab Ashorri
DOI : 10.46890/SL.2020.v01i05.008
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine and to classify the water quality of Kaam Spring based on physio-chemical and biological Characteristics. A total number of 10 samples were collected in September of 2019. Tests have included physio-chemical parameters: (DO, BOD, COD, TDS, EC, pH, Salinity, Temperature, Turbidity, NH3ˉ N, PO₄³⁻, Velocity, Clˉ, Fˉ, SO₄ˉ, HCO3 ˉ, NO3ˉ, Na+, K+, Mg++, and Ca+) and heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Over and above, one biological parameter (Testing of Coliforms) was achieved. Water quality was determined by comparing results with the Libyan Standards and the international parameter limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of drinking water and classified according to the Water Quality Index (WQI). Results have revealed that the concentrations of COD for all points were extremely higher than the permissible limits with the highest concentration of 4235 mg/L recorded in point 4. Electrical Conductivity (EC) values were also slightly higher than the desirable limits, which are likely due to the contact between spring and seawater. The turbidity index was higher than the permissible limits due to anthropogenic activities taking place. Velocity values were almost zero in all sampling points making the spring stagnant. Heavy metals of As and Pb have shown high concentration meaning that the spring is exposed to industrial waste. Testing of coliforms has shown positive readings; indicating that water is contaminated with feces while all other parameters measured were within the acceptable levels. WQI calculations revealed that the spring has a moderate quality of water and extensive treatment is required.
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The aim of this study is to determine and to classify the water quality of Kaam Spring based on physio-chemical and biological Characteristics. A total number of 10 samples were collected in September of 2019. Tests have included physio-chemical parameters: (DO, BOD, COD, TDS, EC, pH, Salinity, Temperature, Turbidity, NH3ˉ N, PO₄³⁻, Velocity, Clˉ, Fˉ, SO₄ˉ, HCO3 ˉ, NO3ˉ, Na+, K+, Mg++, and Ca+) and heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Over and above, one biological parameter (Testing of Coliforms) was achieved. Water quality was determined by comparing results with the Libyan Standards and the international parameter limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of drinking water and classified according to the Water Quality Index (WQI). Results have revealed that the concentrations of COD for all points were extremely higher than the permissible limits with the highest concentration of 4235 mg/L recorded in point 4. Electrical Conductivity (EC) values were also slightly higher than the desirable limits, which are likely due to the contact between spring and seawater. The turbidity index was higher than the permissible limits due to anthropogenic activities taking place. Velocity values were almost zero in all sampling points making the spring stagnant. Heavy metals of As and Pb have shown high concentration meaning that the spring is exposed to industrial waste. Testing of coliforms has shown positive readings; indicating that water is contaminated with feces while all other parameters measured were within the acceptable levels. WQI calculations revealed that the spring has a moderate quality of water and extensive treatment is required.