PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CONDITIONS OF DRINKING WATER OF DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS UNDER GOPALGONJ SADAR UPAZILA (BSc. Thesis)- Degree Awarded

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CONDITIONS OF DRINKING WATER OF DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS UNDER GOPALGONJ SADAR UPAZILA, BSc. Thesis  (Degree Awarded)

ABSTRACT

The study emphasizes the critical need for intervention in educational institutions' water systems to ensure student and staff safety, highlighting the gap between current water quality and established safety standards.

Water is vital to human life, and access to clean water is required to sustain optimum health. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2007)  states that having access to clean water can significantly affect one's health. The most vital resource for life's survival is water. Thus, having clean, safe-for-human-consumption water is crucial, in addition to having a sufficient and easily available supply. While contaminated water affects all of us, children are particularly vulnerable to its effects. Clean and safe drinking water is essential for maintaining health and well-being, particularly in educational institutions where children and young adults spend a significant portion of their day. Access to high-quality drinking water is not only a basic human right but also a critical factor in ensuring the overall health and academic performance of students and staffs. Contaminated water can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal infections, developmental problems, and long-term chronic diseases, which can hinder educational attainment and productivity. Educational institutions are diverse in their infrastructure, resources, and geographic locations, leading to variations in water quality. Factors such as outdated plumbing systems, inadequate water treatment facilities, and local environmental conditions can significantly influence the physicochemical properties of drinking water. Understanding these variations and their implications is crucial for implementing effective water quality management strategies.

The study was conducted in Gopalgonj Sadar  Upazila and total of 15 drinking water samples were collected from various educational institutions in the area. The following analyses were performed: - Physical parameters: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) - Chemical parameters: sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), phosphate (PO₄³⁻) - Microbial parameters: total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli The results were compared with the Bangladesh Drinking Water Quality Standards and WHO guidelines. Physico-chemical parameters: - pH, EC, TDS, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, sodium, and calcium nitrate were within the permissible limits. - Magnesium and phosphate exceeded the drinking water quality standards. - Microbial parameters: - All water samples showed the presence of total coliform, fecal coliform, and E. coli, exceeding the WHO guidelines of zero colonies per 100 ml. Implications The results indicate that the drinking water quality in the selected educational institutions in Gopalgonj Sadar Upazila is not satisfactory, particularly from a microbial perspective. The presence of indicator bacteria suggests a high risk of waterborne diseases, which can adversely affect the health and academic performance of students. So it is very important to ensure: 1. Improved water treatment and disinfection processes to ensure safe drinking water in educational institutions. 2. Regular monitoring and testing of drinking water quality to identify and address any contamination issues. 3. Awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote proper water handling and hygiene practices among students and staff. Addressing the water quality concerns in educational settings is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of the student population, as well as supporting their educational development.

The study emphasizes the critical need for intervention in educational institutions' water systems to ensure student and staff safety, highlighting the gap between current water quality and established safety standards.

• Supervision