Imtiaz Ahmad
Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies, Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Makshoof Athar
Department of Chemistry, Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Farzana Sarwar
Department of Chemistry, Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
The desert dwellers in Cholistan desert use surface water collected in natural depressions or dugout ponds `Tobas` since the groundwater is brackish and not fit for human consumption especially for drinking purpose. The present study was conducted in cholistan desert to evaluate the quality of rainwater harvested in low lying areas or dugout ponds the only source of drinking water for humans as well as their livestock. Water samples were collected from 10 tobas of lesser Cholistan since most of the tobas were dried up due to the drought conditions. These samples were analyzed to quantify different parameters i.e. pH, HT, TDS, Alkalinity, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Sr, Ni, Pb, Co, Cl, PO4, SO4, CO3--, HCO3- and NO3 relating the water quality. The results showed that most of the parameters were found within the WHO recommended levels determining the suitability of this water for drinking purpose. However, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) concentration was found high indicating undesirable presence of organic matter. Higher concentration of Sr was found demanding future detailed study of drinking water in Cholistan.
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How to cite this article
Imtiaz Ahmad, Makshoof Athar and Farzana Sarwar, 2004. Surface Water Suitability for Drinking Purpose in Cholistan Desert. Journal of Biological Sciences, 4: 34-39.
DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2004.34.39
URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jbs.2004.34.39
DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2004.34.39
URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jbs.2004.34.39
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