The Biobrio 2(1 & 2), 2015

INVESTIGATION ON DRINKING WATER QUALITY WITH REFERENCE TO GENERAL HEALTH IN CERTAIN TRIBAL AREA OF GODDA DISTRICT (JHARKHAND)

M.K. Dubey and P.K. Verma

ABSTRACT:

Drinking water in terms of physico-chemical and biological properties of groundwater (dugwell and tubewell) and surface water sources (hill stream) located in Boarijor tribal belt of Godda district under Santal Pargana, Jharkhand were analysed to assess the quality of these water sources and its comparision with the set standards of drinking water. The parameters such as pH, Total Dissolved Solids , Dissolved O , free Co , 2 2 alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, nitrate, fluoride, phosphate and total coliform (MPN) were undertaken for investigation. The investigation revealed that medium of both groundwater and surface water samples varied between slightly acidic to slightly alkaline range of pH (pH 6.4-7.3). All the physico-chemical parameters were within the permissible limit except higher value of TDS and fluoride of dugwell sampling stations.11 MPN of total coliform estimated in groundwater and stream exceeded the permissible standard limits and appeared to be bacterially contaminated and not at all suitable for drinking purpose without proper and conventional treatment. General health status of the tribals appeared to be very weak with poor body built, lazy habits, suffering from several water-borne diseases. Lack of awareness, poor sanitation, open defaecation, improper waste disposal, mishandling of drinking water are the factors responsible for their poor general health.

Keywords:    

Drinking water quality, Physico-chemical parameters, Coliform, General health

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