European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:  Drinkable safe water is absolutely important and is the basic need for all human beings on earth. Concentrations of trace elements in water vary because of physiological, environmental and other factors (industrial & human activity). Trace elements constitute a relatively small amount of total body tissues, these are essential for many vital processes. Deficiency & excessive level of trace element can have hazardous effect in body process.
Objectives: To determine level of Cu, Zn, Cr & Pb in drinking water samples from different sources in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan and its adjacent areas and compare the results with WHO criteria.
Methods: Thirty different water samples for determination of trace element Cu, Zn, Cr & Pb in drinking water were obtained from different sources and estimation of these elements were done by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Statistical comparison was done using ANOVA test & results were expressed as Mean ± SD, p value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results and Conclusion: Copper, zinc and chromium concentrations in all the water sources were within permissible limit as per W.H.O. however, lower than normal concentration of zinc was found in all water sources as per ICMR guidelines. Lead concentration in all water sources was above permissible limit as per W.H.O. guidelines.