Evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking water using a quality index in Abyi Adi, Tigrai, Northern Ethiopia

• Published in: Heliyon Vol. 10; no. 16; p. e36173
• Main Authors: Mohammad, Abdu, Asgedom, Abraha Gebrekidan, Mokenen, Kebede Nigussie, Tesfay, Amanual Hadera, Gebretsadik, Tesfamariam Teklu, Van der Bruggen, Bart
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 30.08.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Chlorination; Microbial parameters; Physicochemical and biological parameters; Water contamination; Water quality; Water quality index; Chlorination; Water quality index; Microbial parameters; Physicochemical and biological parameters; Water contamination; Water quality
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36173

High quality, safe and sufficient drinking water is essential for public health and well-being. However, the war on Tigrai damaged the water sources of communities and pose people to health problems. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the quality of water of the town of Abyi Adi, Tigrai, Northern Ethiopia using physicochemical and biological parameters and water quality indices. A total of 36 water samples were collected from four major water sources. The physicochemical and biological parameters were determined using standard analytical procedures for water analysis. The mean values of electrical conductivity and pH ranged from 273.63 to 881.27 μS/cm and 6.68 to 7.42, respectively. Moreover, the experimental results of major cations (Na+ = 3.70–14.77 mg/L and Ca2+ = 8.50–15.77 mg/L), and anions (HCO3− = 21.52–40.77 mg/L, Cl− = 13.56–40.29 mg/L, NO3− = 0.14–0.25 mg/L, NO2− = 0.24–0.76 mg/L and PO43− = 0.34–1.32 mg/L) were recorded below the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits set for drinking water. The water quality index (WQI) that is determined using a weighted arithmetic water quality index method (WAWQIM) was also found in the range of 5.3–37.2. Subsequently, all groundwater sources except Adibakla are classified as excellent or “A” rating. However, the total coliform of Maylomin and Chiny water sources were found to be 6.33 MPN/100 mL and 3.67 MPN/100 mL, respectively. Both are higher than the WHO permissible limit set for drinking water. Considering the susceptibility of groundwater to pollution and its impact to human health, regular monitoring and supervision should be performed to keep the water safe for drinking. Accordingly, chlorination water treatment process is recommended to provide safe drinking water.