Physico–Chemical Properties and Some Heavy Metal Contents in Public Water Sources in Tuzla and its surrounding, Bosnian and Herzegovina

Abstract

This paper presents the results of physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) contents in water sources of public supply of Tuzla and the surrounding area, as alternative sources of water supply. The study area was divided into six (6) sampling sites and their respective position was detected using GPS device (MAGELLAN EXPLORIST 210). The heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), While, the physico-chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbonate, total hardness, nitrate (NO3 -N), nitrite (NO2 -N), ammonia (NH3 -N), KMnO4 and chlorides were determined using standard methods. The heavy metal contents: Cu (1-6 μg/L) and Zn (1-2 μg/L). Pb was only detected Simin Han well water at 2 μg/L. Cd was below detection limits in all samples. The levels of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb in Tuzla and its surrounding alternative drinking sources are within the permissible limits according to the Regulations on the safety of drinking water of Bosnia and Herzegovina and WHO. The physico –chemical properties of the water samples from the study area are within the recommended level of exposure, except for ammonia in the well of Miladije 2 and pH of Miladije 1. Concentrations of the investigated parameters in samples of drinking water alternative sources of public supply of Tuzla and its surrounding area within the allowed limits according to World.