Detection of heavy metals using atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy in drinking water of Faisalabad, Pakistan: microbial safety and quality status assessment

AbstractSynthetic dyes from textile industries are designated as hazardous waste since they release heavy metals and dangerous contaminants in water that harm the environment and human health. The current study was aimed at investigating the heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr, and Mn) in drinking water in seven regions of Faisalabad, Pakistan, through atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The physicochemical quality of 86.36% of the water samples met the WHO standards in the targeted regions, while 13.64% failed to meet the criteria. The water quality index (WQI) of selected water samples was calculated by integrating 11 physicochemical parameters, and the results indicated fair quality, whereas Madina, Jinnah, and Lyallpur Town showed poor water quality with contamination of Mn > Ni > Pb. The order of contamination for heavy metals in groundwater was Ni > Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Mn > Cd. The total plate count (TPC) and total coliform count (TCC) were found within the permissible range of WHO guidelines. Hence, consuming groundwater in the research regions may not present major health risks due to ingested metal toxicity; however, levels of Mn, Ni, and Pb might pose risks.HighlightsThe drinking water quality and safety of selected regions in the industrial city of Faisalabad, Pakistan, were assessedThe physicochemical quality of drinking water from targeted regions was 86.36% in compliance with World Health Organization (WHO)Microbiologically, drinking water was safe and zero fecal contamination was detectedThe water quality index of selected regions, calculated with CCME WQI was found fairKeywords: Heavy metalsmicrobial assessmentphysicochemical qualityatomic absorption spectroscopyatomic emission spectroscopy Disclosure statementAny author has no conflict of interest with other authors or agencies.Data availability statementData will be available on demand.Additional informationFundingNo funding source(s).