ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

An onsite risk assessment of water quality and heavy metal contamination in Kandal Kampong Speu and Kampong Chhnang Province of Cambodia

Minjung Song, Daejeong Yang, Adam Gopal Ramu, and Dongjin Choi

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong-City, Republic of Korea

E-mail: djchoi@hongik.ac.kr

Received: 25 October 2023  Accepted: 22 February 2024

Abstract:

This research aims to examine heavy metal pollution and water quality in the remote northeast of Cambodia using an onsite risk assessment. Onsite analysis may provide a prompt reaction to the contamination of the water by providing real-time monitoring of water quality indicators. This is especially important in areas where various environmental factors may quickly alter the water’s quality. The water sources that were examined in the provinces of Kandal and Kampong included lakes (n = 20) and tube wells (n = 20). The following in situ characteristics were measured: pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen, turbidity (NTU), conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, total hardness, and the heavy metals As, Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn. For further chemical analysis, ion chromatography was used. Furthermore, total coliform and E. coli were tested according to established scientific standards. The pH of the water from all of the sources was found to be below what is required in Cambodia. Water samples from all of Cambodia’s tube wells and almost all of the lakes exceeded the turbidity criteria of 5 NTU. In addition, compared to water from tube wells, lake water has much lower values for turbidity, salinity, TDS, and EC. All tests, particularly in Kampong Chhnang province, showed levels of arsenic (As > 50 ppb) and manganese (Mn > 100 ppb), two trace elements that are found in excess of Cambodian aesthetic standards and WHO criteria. Iron levels in lake water and tube well samples were more than 300 ppb, which is beyond Cambodia’s aesthetic guideline. Cambodian water samples had amounts of E. coli (14 cfu/100 ml) and total coliform bacteria (1180 cfu/100 ml) that were much greater than the levels recommended by the World Health Organization. To reduce the dangers to public health from drinking water contamination, the people of Kandal and Kampong province should have access to suitable treatment methods.

Keywords: Water quality; Heavy metals; E. coli culture; Trace elements; Risk assessment; Cambodia

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-024-03383-9

Chemical Papers 78 (7) 4239–4247 (2024)