Nitrate in gravity feed system (GFS) water and health risk assessment in Orang Asli village of Rembau, Negeri Sembilan

Mokhtar, Farhah Nadiah (2023) Nitrate in gravity feed system (GFS) water and health risk assessment in Orang Asli village of Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: A gravity feed system (GFS) is one of the water supplies schemes that provide the most to rural water supply system coverage. It utilizes gravitational force to distribute water from rivers without any chemical treatment. Nitrate (NO3-) is one of drinking water's most significant and widespread chemical contaminants. High concentration of nitrates in drinking water have been linked to numerous health concerns. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the health risk due to exposure to nitrate in Gravity Feed System (GFS) water in the Orang Asli Village of Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. Methodology: This study involved 48 respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Respondents were selected based on the fact that they exclusively use GFS water for drinking and cooking and do not have any form of filtration system installed in their houses. A set of modified health risk questionnaires was administered to determine the socio-demographic information. A total of 38 water samples were collected and nitrate concentration were analysed by using a HANNA Instruments multimeter with a nitrate electrode attached. Water samples were collected in duplicates from kitchen tap of each house. In addition to the weight, age, and gender of respondents, the average daily water consumption was also recorded. Results and discussion: Nitrate in sampled GFS water did not exceed the maximum limit of 45 mg/L set by health authorities. It ranged from 2.15 to 7.65 mg/L with a mean ± SD of 4.99 ± 1.37 mg/L. Further to this, the minimum and maximum pH values were 6.57 and 7.10, respectively. It was interpreted that there was no significant association between the nitrate concentration and pH value in drinking water. Conclusion: Hazard Quotient for all residents was less than 1 (HQ < 1) as nitrate concentration in drinking water are low and are not harmful to human health. Nonetheless, periodic evaluation is encouraged to ensure the levels remain consistently low. Keywords: Nitrate, GFS water, Hazard Quotient, Rembau, pH

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	05 Apr 2024 07:27
Last Modified:	05 Apr 2024 07:27
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1686

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