Quality andPhysicochemical Characterization of DrinkingWater in Southern Kordofan State

Abstract

Thirteen (composite) ground water and five surface water samples were collected from different locations in South Kordofan State, during autumn and winter seasons of 2017.The samples were analyzed using various physicochemical techniques to assess seasonal variation of the quality of drinking water and compare that with international (WHO) and (SSMO) guidelines. The results show that for ground water pH value, total alkalinity as hydroxide and carbonate are within (WHO) and (SSMO), range limit to pH (8.5 to 6.5). the average value for each of; Turbidity (2.69, 2.00 NTU), EC (788.0, 644.0 µs/cm) and TDS (471.6, 387.9 mg/l), anionic composition HCO3- (133.6, 305.00 mg/l), F- (1.09, 1.10 mg/l), Cl- (37.96, 48.4mg/l), NO3- (19.8, 6.05 mg/l) and SO4-- (17, 5, 19.34 mg/l) cationic composition Na+ (4.18, 6.02 mg/l), K+ (2.24, 2.06 mg/l), Ca++ (21.36, 18.68mg/l) and Mg++ (16.46, 18.87mg/l),in autumn and winter season respectively. BOD and COD were nill. For surface water pH value total alkalinity as hydroxide and carbonate are within (WHO) and (SSMO), the average value for each of;Turbidity (4.8, 1.74 NTU), EC (428.0, 695.0 µs/cm) and TDS (257.0, 417.0 mg/l), anionic composition HCO3- (30.5, 152.50 mg/l), F- (0.59, 0.50 mg/l), Cl- (26.3, 29.8 mg/l), NO3- (19.3, 1.6 mg/l) and SO4-- (5. 5, 5. 2 mg/l), cationic composition Na+ (2.65, 1.81 mg/l), K+ (2.52, 5.09 mg/l), Ca++ (17.84, 31.2 mg/l) and Mg++ (4.94, 7.0 mg/l),in autumn and winter ground and surface water respectively. Fe++, Al+++, Zn++, As+++, Ba+++, Pb++, Cd++, Cr+++, Ni ++, Co ++and C++ were at trace levels. In comparison to WHO and SSMO standards TDS (626.6,569, 930, 831 and 615.5 mg/l), bicarbonate ( 732,427,371.7,326.6,305, 323 and 266mg/l), nitrate( 66.2,49.6 and48,4mg/l), fluoride (4.38,3.4, 2.66,1.92,1.68 and1.56 mg/l), iron (0.40ppm) and aluminum (0.60ppm) high at Dalanj, Dalamy, Kortala, Hbila, Arashad and Kadugli .There were seasonal variations in some properties such as, TDS, bicarbonate and fluoride in winter season higher than autumn, sodium in autumn higher than winter. For two seasons (autumn and winter) all samples were suitable for drinking. Ground drinking water in Dalami,Kortala and Kadugli require treatment for TDS and fluorides before use.