Survey of trace metals in drinking water supply options in coastal areas of Bangladesh

To ascertain the water quality for human consumption, chemical parameters such as pH, conductivity and the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, nickel and arsenic were evaluated in the drinking water supply options employed in the southwest coastal areas of Bangladesh. The mean iron and manganese concentrations for pond and pond sand filter (PSF) water were much higher than harvested rainwater. The iron concentrations for 41% of the pond water samples were higher than the Bangladesh guideline value. However, iron and manganese removal by PSFs were found 74% and 51%, respectively. Furthermore, scarcity of calcium and magnesium were found in harvested rainwater. One pond water sample showed arsenic concentration above the 10 μg/l WHO drinking water guideline. The presence of an elevated iron and manganese and low calcium and magnesium concentrations in the drinking water could be a matter of public health concern.