Pollution Levels of Drinking Water in Nablus

Metal concentrations in drinking water used in Nablus have been studied. Samples from houses located in various districts of Nablus have been collected between Dec. 22, 1985, and Jan. 19, 1986, acidified and then analyzed for their metal content of the elements lead, copper, zinc, nickel, iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy with an acetylene-air flame The results showed that the concentrations of lead, copper, nickel, iron and manganese were well below the safe limits. The concentrations of both zinc and magnesium were high but still below the maximum limit allowed in drinking water. The concentration of calcium was found always above the allowed limit. The effect of storing water in tanks (this is very common in Nablus) on the concentration of the above elements has been studied. The only effect found for storing water in tanks was a decrease in the concentration of zinc from water. No effect was found for using sun-heaters on the concentrations of the above elements in water.