Arsenic Removal from Drinking Water of Risalpur Cantt

Abstract

Existing water purification management in Pakistan is insufficient as well as not up to the World Health Organization (WHO) set standards; and ultimately people are suffering. This problem has hit the world in general and Pakistan in particular. This study was designed to evaluate the concentration of arsenic in the Risalpur Cantonment, Pakistan. Various samples for a period of 6–8 months were analyzed using standard procedures. The concentration of pH, turbidity, nitrates, TDS, and total coliform were observed as 8.5, 0.4 NTU, 2 mg/L, 2600 mg/L and 7 MPN. Owing to economical test of alum and lime, they were used as coagulant dosages for the removal of arsenic. It was observed that by using 20 mg/L of alum and 20 mg/L of lime, more than 75% of arsenic can be removed respectively. The results of this study suggest that cost effective and efficient arsenic removal technique, using alum and lime should be adopted.