Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management, cilt.14, 2020 (Scopus)
© 2020This study aimed to ascertain the potential health risk due to neurotoxic metals (Mn and Pb) among the local population of Zhob district, Quetta Valley, Baluchistan, Pakistan. ICP-MS was used for the analysis of the metals concentration in drinking water. Sampling locations were selected by global positioning system (GPS). The study area was comprised of sedimentary, ultramafic and mafic rocks. Total 47 water samples were collected from four different types of water sources, which were identified as karezs, spring, tube wells and open dug wells. The concentration of lead was found in the range of 0.0010 to 0.063 mg/l and manganese ranged from 0.011 to 0.806 mg/l. To know the level of awareness about the water contamination and water borne diseases in the study area, four hundred questionnaires were used. The multiple correlations and multivariate analysis were used to interpret the obtained data. The evaluated concentrations in studied area are much higher than the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency, Pakistan. These standards indicating severe health risk to the user of these water sources. The results also revealed that co-exposure of Mn and Pb through drinking water are more serious threat to the mental health of the area population. Awareness campaign should be launched about metal toxicity and water treatment plants for the local population is urgently recommended.