Determination of Heavy Metal Pollution in Potable Water and Related Health Hazards within Semi Urban Societies

The aim of this study was to assess the drinking water quality in the Al-Hawija District within Kirkuk Governorate in northern Iraq in relation to physicochemical properties and content of heavy metals of the different water sources (tap water, well water, and bottled water) to determine their suitability with international health standards and risks to the health of the population. The research design was an analytical cross-sectional study where 45 samples were gathered by using stratified random sampling, under rigid procedures to maintain the integrity of samples. Researched parameters were physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, temperature), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, iron, and copper), and descriptive parameters involving the origin of water and the sampling site. The findings showed that well water was more inclined towards increased alkalinity and electrical conductivity, whereas the bottled water recorded the lowest dissolved salts and heavy metals, which were an indication of effective treatment processes. Reviewing the concentration of lead in tap water gave the highest concentration of 0.015 mg/L, which is more than the limit set, whereas the highest concentration of iron was found in well water (0.65 mg/L). Other samples were also in excess of cadmium, and copper was also within the safety range. Statistical tests showed the significant differences were present in lead and iron concentrations in the sources of water, and this meant that the quality of water was affected by the type of source. This experiment has shown that bottled water is the least prone to contamination; however, tap and well water are more prone because of environmental influences and poor infrastructure. The researchers suggest the enhancement of distribution networks, augmenting the routine monitoring, and performing routine testing to secure safe drinking water, and safeguarding the population's health; however, the emphasis is laid on the complete management of water sources under the exact requirements.