Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Ariola DEVOLLI, Edlira SHAHINASI, Enkeleida SALLAKU, Marilda OSMANI, Belinda HOXHA, Frederik DARA
Rapid population growth, urbanization, and unsustainable water management practices have all contributed to the depletion of freshwater resources. Groundwater is considered an important source for drinking and domestic purposes. In most cases, groundwater is threatened by physical, chemical, and microbiological contamination. The sources of groundwater contamination are numerous and have severe implications for public health. This study aims to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of well water used for drinking and domestic purposes in the industrial area of the Elbasan district. Samples were collected from 57 wells and analysed for bacteriological (Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli) and physicochemical quality (pH, Electrical conductivity, total phosphorus, sulfate, ammonia, etc.) using standard methods. The collected data were subject to statistical analysis using the SPSS software ver. 22. Physicochemical results revealed that 65% of wells did not meet WHO standards and Albanian guidelines set for drinking water. In terms of bacteriological analysis, 80% of the samples were contaminated with total coliforms and 19% with E. coli. Based on analysis of heavy metals some samples exceeded the limits of iron and lead content.
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