Concentration and Health Implication of Heavy Metals in Drinking Water from Urban Areas of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

摘要: The study was undertaken to assess the status of drinking water quality in urban areas Tigray region, northern Ethiopia. A total 106 samples were collected from 16 densely populated viz.: Alamata, Korem, Maichew, Adigudom, Abyi-Adi, Hagereselam, Zalambessa, Adigrat, Edagahamus, Firewoini, Wukro, Mekelle, Indaselassie, Axum, Adwa, and Enticho. All analyzed for six physicochemical parameters such as temperature, conductivity, dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, pH, turbidity ten heavy metals,viz., As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn using standard procedures. results compared with other national international standards. Among samples, regarding parameters, 84.01 % electrical 47.17 TDS 31.13% show concentrations higher than WHO (2008) recommended values. More 93.4% within United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) admissible pH limit (6.5-8.5) all EU (1998) (6.5-9.5). contain manganese copper maximum limit, but arsenic (40.3 %), cadmium (7.46 chromium (64.18 iron (37.31 nickel (7 lead (29.85 %) crossed desirable limits by (2008). cobalt is not mentioned WHO, found comply New Zealand (1000 μg/L) US EPA (100 limits. Although no guideline set Zinc level water, analyzed, 94.02% 97.01% referred present study. In general, have shown that some physico-chemical values This an indication pollution hazards weak treatment practices areas, which turn important human health implications. study, therefore, recommends government responsible authorities take appropriate corrective measures. Key words: Drinking quality, Heavy metals, Maximum World organization,