Potential risk of drinking water to human health in Sri Lanka. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herath, H. M. Ayala S.; Kubota, Kazusa; Kawakami, Tomonori; Nagasawa, Shiori; Motoyama, Ayuri; Weragoda, S. K.; Chaminda, G. G. Tushara; Yatigammana, S. K.
• Is Part Of: Environmental forensics. Volume 18:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Sri Lankan standards -- WHO guidelines -- drinking water -- contamination -- health effects; Environmental forensics -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Measurement -- Periodicals; Environmental law -- Periodicals; Enquêtes environnementales -- Périodiques; 363.25945
• DOI: 10.1080/15275922.2017.1340364
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1527-5922

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A total of 1, 304 well water samples from Sri Lanka were analyzed to assess the potential risk of drinking water to human health. Fluoride concentration of more than 1.0 mg/L was found in 20% of the wells, especially in the dry zone where CKDu is prevalent. Fluoride is a suspected cause of CKDu in the region. Nitrate concentrations of more than 50 mg/L were recorded in 2.2% of the wells in areas with intense agricultural activity. Arsenic concentrations of more than 10 µg/L were found in 0.9% of the wells. Contaminated well water could pose a potential risk to human health.