Abstract:
The current study was performed to evaluate the physico-chemical, metals, and microbial characteristics of the surface water available in Passu valley located along the eastern bank of Hunza River of district Hunza Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. A total of 24 water samples were collected and analyzed. The results of the study comprehend that the physico-chemical characteristics of the water samples are satisfactory. However, heavy metals like arsenic, lead, iron, and zinc, are present at fairly higher concentrations than recommended by the WHO, and thus, a concern for public health quality of water. The results also showed that all of the water samples collected from springs and tap water sources in Passu Valley are highly contaminated with microbes and are unsafe for human consumption. This is the region where the major human settlements are located and agricultural activities, tourism attractions, domestic discharges, and erosion are the fundamental sources of water pollution. Residents have very little choice but to drink the contaminated water because there are no other water sources available, and they rarely inquire about the water's purity. The sources of contamination should be investigated further in order to lessen the amount of pollution in the Passu Valley's surface water, which could help to promote sustainable ecotourism.
Page(s):
269-276
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, Volume: 20, Issue: 2, Year: 2023
Keywords:
Water quality
,
Metal
,
physicchemical
,
Microbial analysis
,
Passu valley