1.

Executive Summary
This study investigates the quality of water supplied to the UET Lahore main campus and
staff colony, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological parameters and their potential
impact on public health. Water samples were collected from various locations, and
parameters such as pH, turbidity, and hardness were analyzed. The findings suggest
variations in water quality, particularly in turbidity levels, which exceed WHO standards in
some areas. Recommendations include implementing better water treatment solutions and
consistent monitoring to ensure safe water for consumption.

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 2. Introduction
Clean water is critical for public health. Contaminated water can cause waterborne
diseases, negatively impacting communities. Reports of increased health issues in UET
Lahore’s staff colony and hostels have raised concerns about the quality of water being
supplied to assess the quality of water supplied to UET Lahore's main campus and staff
colony to identify potential correlations between water quality parameters and health issues
reported by residents to provide recommendations for improving water quality and
mitigating health risks.

3. Problem statement
The health concerns raised by residents of the campus and staff colony necessitate a
thorough investigation into the water's physical, chemical, and biological properties. Are
deviations in water quality parameters contributing to the reported health problems?

4. Methodology
1.1 Samples Collection Locations
The water samples were collected from different locations within the UET campus for
analysis. Table 1 provides a detailed overview of these locations.
Table 1: Locations of Water Samples Collected

Sr.No. Samples Locations

01 Sample 1 UET main campus
02 Sample 2 Staff Colony
03 Sample 3 Hostel (Zohra Hall)

The visual representation of the collected water samples from various locations is shown in
Figure 1, providing a clearer understanding of their collection points.

1.2 Sample

Figure 1: Sample 1 Figure 2: Sample 2 Figure 3: Sample 3

Handling
Samples were stored in clean, sterilized containers to prevent contamination before testing.
We also marked each bottle with time and date.

1.3 Parameters Tested

In the context of water quality testing, following parameters were included.
1. Physical: Turbidity, color, odor.

2. Chemical: pH, hardness, chlorides, nitrates, and heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic).

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 3. Biological: Total coliform and E. coli counts.

1.4 Experiments Procedure

The following experiments were done in the labs.
1.4.1 Physical parameters
Following tests were related to physical parameters.
 Turbidity Testing
Equipment: Turbidity meter.

Procedure: Firstly, we calibrate the turbidity meter using standard solutions as per the
manufacturer's instructions. Then gently shake the water samples to ensure uniform
distribution of suspended particles. Pour the samples one by one into the turbidity meter's
designated cuvette, place the cuvette into the turbidity meter, and record the turbidity in
NTU each sample.

The readings of turbidity measurements for the water samples are illustrated in Figure 4
and 5 providing a visual representation of the recorded values.

Figure 4: Turbidity Measurement Readings of Water Figure 5: Turbidity Measurement Readings of Water
Samples 1 Samples 3

Results

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The turbidity levels of the collected water samples were measured to evaluate water quality.
Table 2 presents the turbidity values recorded for each sample.
Table 2: Turbidity values of water samples

Samples Turbidity Values

Sample 1 7.90

Sample 2 7.3

Sample 3 3.0

 Odor Testing
All the samples are odorless.

 Color Testing
All the samples are colorless as shown in figure 1,2 and 3.

1.4.2 Chemical parameters

The procedures for testing chemical parameters are as follows:

 pH Testing
Equipment: pH meter.
Procedure: Initially we calibrate the pH meter using standard buffer solutions (e.g., pH 4.0,
7.0, and 10.0) as per the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse the pH electrode with distilled
water and gently blot dry with lint-free tissue. Immerse the electrode into the water samples
one by one, ensuring it is fully submerged. Stir the samples gently to remove any air
bubbles that might affect the reading. Wait for the pH meter reading to stabilize, then we
record the values displayed.

Figure 6: PH value of water sample

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Results
The pH levels of the water samples were analyzed to assess their acidity or alkalinity. Table
3 provides the pH values measured for each sample."

Table 3: PH values of water samples

Samples PH Values

Sample 1 7.2

Sample 2 7.3

Sample 3 7.5

 Hardness
Equipments:
 Conical flask
 Burette with stand
 Pipette Measuring cylinder
 Volumetric flask
 Beakers

Chemicals used:

 Eriochrome Black T (EBT)

 EDTA
 Ammonia Buffer
Procedure
We collect a precise volume of the water samples (e.g., 50 mL) in a clean volumetric flask.
Add a few drops of ammonia buffer solution to maintain a pH of around 10. Add Eriochrome
Black T indicator to the sample. The solution should turn wine red if hardness is present.
Titrate the sample with EDTA solution of 0.01 M using a burette and then add EDTA
dropwise while swirling the flask continuously. Observe the color change from wine red to
pure blue, which indicates the endpoint. Record the volume of EDTA used and calculate the
hardness in mg/L as CaCO3 using the formula provided in standard testing methods.

The following figure 7 shows the colour changing during titration.

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 Figure 7: Color changing from red wine to blue

Results
The hardness of the water samples was determined to evaluate the concentration of
dissolved minerals. Table 4 outlines the hardness values recorded for each sample.

Table 4: Hardness values of water samples

Samples Hardness (mg/L)

Sample 1 5.1

Sample 2 7.1

Sample 3 2.4

 Nitrates
Equipment: Spectrophotometer.

Procedure: Prepare a standard curve with known nitrate concentrations, treat the
samples with the appropriate reagents, and measure their absorbance to determine
nitrate levels.

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Results

The nitrate levels in the water samples were examined to determine the concentrations of
nitrogen compounds, including total nitrogen, nitrates (NO₃⁻), nitrites (NO₂⁻), and ammonia.
Table 5 provides the detailed values recorded for each parameter.

Table 5: Nitrate Levels and Related Nitrogen Compounds in Water Samples

Samples Total NO3- (mg/L) NO2- (mg/L) Ammonia

Nitrates(mg/L) (mg/L)

Sample 1.6 7.07 5.24 1.93

1(Colony)

Sample 2(Hostel) 1.5 6.70 4.95 1.85

Sample 3 1.4 6.10 4.50 1.70

(Campus)

 Heavy Metals (e.g., Lead, Arsenic)

Equipment: Atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Procedure: Prepare the sample according to standard methods and measure the
concentrations of heavy metals in µg/L or mg/L.
1. Lead (PB)
The maximum allowable concentration is 0.01 mg/L (10 µg/L). Even small amounts of lead
can cause serious health issues, particularly in children, affecting neurological
development.

Results

The concentration of lead in the collected water samples was measured to evaluate the
presence of this heavy metal. Table 6 summarizes the lead concentrations for each
location.

Table 6: Lead concentration values in water samples

Samples Lead(mg/L)

Sample 1(Colony) 0.005

Sample 2(Hostel) 0.001

Sample 3 (Campus) 0.010

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 2. Arsenic (As)

The maximum allowable concentration is 0.01 mg/L (10 µg/L). Long-term exposure to
arsenic, often through contaminated water, can cause skin lesions, cancer, and other
serious health issues.

Results

The arsenic concentration in the water samples was analyzed to assess the level of this
toxic element. Table 7 provides the arsenic concentration values for each location.

Table 7: Arsenic concentration values in water samples

Samples Arsenic(mg/L)

Sample 1(Colony) 0.002

Sample 2(Hostel) 0.008

Sample 3 (Campus) 0.010

1.4.2.1 Chlorides:
Employ the argentometric method. Add potassium chromate indicator to the sample and
titrate with silver nitrate until a brick-red endpoint is reached. Record the chloride
concentration in mg/L.

Results

The chloride concentration in the water samples was determined to evaluate the presence
of dissolved salts. Table 8 presents the chloride concentration values for each location.

Table 8: Chlorides concentration values in water samples

Samples Chlorides(mg/L)

Sample 1(Colony) 45

Sample 2(Hostel) 85

Sample 3 (Campus) 120

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1.4.3 Biological Parameters

 Total Coliform Testing Procedure

Total coliforms are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in the environment,
including soil, vegetation, and water. The presence of coliform bacteria is used as an
indicator of the potential presence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Materials Needed:
 Sterile sample bottles (usually 100 mL)
 Lactose broth (or another suitable growth medium)
 Incubator (set at 35°C)
 Sterile pipettes
 Bacterial culture media plates (if performing membrane filtration)
 Sterile filtration apparatus (if performing membrane filtration)

Steps:
1. Sample Collection:

Collect the water samples in a sterile bottle. Ensure the samples is representative of the
water source and handled properly to prevent contamination.

2. Initial Analysis (Presumptive Test):

Multiple Tube Fermentation (MTF) Method:

Inoculate tubes containing lactose broth with a known volume (10 mL or 1 mL) of the water
samples for testing. Incubate at 35°C for 24 hours. Observe for gas production (indicative of
coliform fermentation). Gas production in the tube suggests the presence of coliform
bacteria.

3. Confirmed Test:

 After the presumptive test, a confirmed test is performed by streaking a sample from
positive tubes onto a selective medium such as eosin-methylene blue (EMB) agar or
MacConkey agar.

 Incubate the plates at 35°C for 24 hours. Coliform colonies typically appear as dark
or metallic sheen colonies on EMB agar.

4. Completed Test:

 To confirm the identification, inoculate a pure colony from the agar plate into a tube
of brilliant green bile broth or lauryl tryptose broth and incubate again at 35°C.

 Growth and gas production in these tubes confirm the presence of total coliforms.

5. Colony Count:

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Count the number of positive tubes or colonies and calculate the MPN (Most Probable
Number) or CFU (Colony Forming Units) per 100 ml.

Results

 E. coli Testing Procedure

E. coli is a specific type of coliform bacteria that is used to confirm fecal
contamination.
Materials Needed:
 Sterile sample bottles (usually 100 mL)

 Lauryl Tryptose Broth (LTB) or another suitable growth medium

 Membrane filtration setup (optional)

 EC (Eosin-Methylene Blue) Agar or MacConkey agar

 Incubator (set at 44.5°C for E. coli)

 Sterile pipettes

Steps:
1. Sample Collection:

Collect the water sample in a sterile bottle. Handle it with care to avoid contamination.

2. Presumptive Test:

 Inoculate a known volume of the water sample (e.g., 10 mL or 1 mL) into a sterile
tube containing Lauryl Tryptose Broth.

 Incubate at 35°C for 24 hours to allow bacteria to grow and produce gas.

3. Confirmed Test:

 After observing gas production in the presumptive test, transfer a sample from the
positive tubes onto an Eosin-Methylene Blue (EMB) Agar or MacConkey Agar plate.

 Incubate at 44.5°C (specific to E. coli) for 24 hours.

 E. coli Identification: E. coli colonies appear as greenish metallic colonies on EMB

agar or produce characteristic pink or red colonies on MacConkey agar.

4. Completed Test:

Confirm that the colonies on the agar plate are E. coli by performing additional biochemical
tests (e.g., indole test, methyl red test) or molecular methods like PCR for further
identification.

5. Colony Count:

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Count the number of colonies that resemble E. coli on the selective media.

Calculate CFU (Colony Forming Units) per 100 mL of water sample.

Results

Health Data Correlation:

To assess the potential health impact of water quality on residents of UET Lahore main
campus and Staff colony, we conduct a survey to gather information on the frequency and
types of illnesses reported by individuals. This data can be compared with water quality
results to identify possible trends or correlations. For instance:

Here is a consolidated table with interpretations for the physical and chemical and
biological characteristics of the water samples:

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

Parameter Interpretation
(Colony) (Hostel) (Campus)

Sample 1 (Colony) has the highest

Turbidity turbidity, indicating more suspended
16.8 6.20 7.90
(NTU) particles and possibly lower water
quality. Other samples are cleaner.

All samples are odorless, indicating no

Odor Odorless Odorless Odorless major contamination by organic material
or gases.

All samples are colorless, which is

Color Colorless Colorless Colorless
typical for safe drinking water.

All samples are near neutral (pH 7),

pH 7.3 7.2 7.5 which is ideal for aquatic life and
drinking water.

All samples have low hardness levels,

Hardness indicating soft water, which is better for
7.1 5.1 2.4
(mg/L) washing and prevents scale formation in
pipes.

Nitrate levels are low in all samples and

Nitrates below the WHO guideline (50 mg/L), but
7.07 5.24 1.93
(mg/L) monitoring is important to prevent
increases from agricultural runoff.

Lead (Pb) 0.005 0.001 0.010 All samples have lead levels below the
(mg/L) allowable limit (0.01 mg/L), but Sample 3

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 Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3
Parameter Interpretation
(Colony) (Hostel) (Campus)

(Campus) is at the threshold. Lead

exposure can harm health, particularly in
children.

Sample 3 (Campus) has arsenic levels

Arsenic (As) at the maximum allowable limit, which
0.002 0.008 0.010
(mg/L) poses a significant health risk with long-
term exposure.

Sample 3 (Campus) has the highest

Chlorides chloride concentration, which could
45 85 120
(mg/L) affect taste and cause corrosion in
plumbing.

Residents of the UET main campus and staff colony report a variety of health issues related
to drinking water. Some of the common health problems they are facing are mentioned
below:

1)Gastrointestinal Problems

2)Skin Issues

3)Respiratory Issues

4)Waterborne Diseases (Typhoid, Cholera, and Dysentery)

Data Analysis and Discussion:

Standards Used:

WHO standards for drinking water quality.

Local and international guidelines (e.g., EPA).

Testing Procedure:

pH: Measured using a calibrated pH meter.

Turbidity: Tested using a turbidity meter (in NTU).

Hardness: Determined through titration methods.

Nitrates and other biological testing also involved in the procedure.

Data Analysis:

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 The results of the analysis are summarized in the table below:

Lead Arsenic
pH Turbidity Hardness Nitrates Chlorides
Location (Pb) (As) Remarks
Value (NTU) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L)
(mg/L) (mg/L)

Turbidity
exceeds WHO
Staff Colony 7.3 6.20 7.1 7.07 0.005 0.002 45 standards, Lead
and Arsenic are
within safe limits

Turbidity
exceeds WHO
standards,
Hostel 7.2 7.90 5.1 1.93 0.001 0.010 120
Arsenic at the
maximum
allowable limit

Hardness and
Nitrates within
acceptable
UET (Campus) 7.5 7.90 2.4 1.93 0.010 0.010 120 limits, Arsenic
and Lead at safe
levels, Chlorides
are high

 Turbidity exceeds WHO standards in Staff Colony and Hostel, which may indicate
the presence of suspended particles or contaminants.

 pH values are within acceptable limits for all samples, ensuring no significant acidity
or alkalinity that could affect health.

 Hardness is within acceptable limits for UET (Campus), while Staff Colony and
Hostel show higher hardness levels, which could affect cleaning and cause scaling
in pipes.

 Nitrates are generally within safe levels, with the highest value in Staff Colony

 Lead levels are within safe limits for all locations, though UET (Campus) has a
higher level (at the threshold of 0.01 mg/L).

 Arsenic is at the maximum allowable limit in Hostel and UET (Campus), which
could pose long-term health risks if exposure continues.

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  Chlorides are highest in UET (Campus) and Hostel, which could affect taste and
lead to corrosion in plumbing systems.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while pH, hardness, and nitrate levels are generally within safe limits, there
are significant concerns regarding turbidity, arsenic, and chloride levels in some
samples. The Staff Colony and Hostel water supply show elevated turbidity, which could
lead to potential health issues. Moreover, the presence of arsenic at the maximum
allowable limit in Hostel and UET Campus suggests a long-term health risk. Immediate
actions such as improving filtration and water purification systems are recommended,
along with regular monitoring of water quality to prevent further health risks. Regular
biological testing for coliforms and E. coli is essential to ensure microbiological safety.
Additionally, long-term measures should focus on reducing arsenic and lead levels,
ensuring that the water remains safe for all residents.

Recommendations:
Water Treatment:

1. Advanced Filtration Systems:

2. Disinfection and Chlorination:

3. Arsenic Removal: Install arsenic-specific filtration systems (e.g., iron oxide-coated

sand filters or activated alumina) in areas with high arsenic concentrations,
particularly in the Hostel and UET Campus. Consider using reverse osmosis units
to lower arsenic levels to below the allowable limits.

4. Lead Reduction: Use point-of-use filtration systems, such as activated carbon

filters and reverse osmosis systems, at locations where water is directly
consumed to reduce lead contamination, especially in areas where lead levels are
at the threshold (UET Campus).

5. Maintenance of Infrastructure:

Monitoring and Testing:

1. Regular Water Quality Assessments:

 Conduct quarterly water quality assessments to monitor turbidity, pH, hardness,

nitrates, heavy metals, and microbiological contamination.

 Implement continuous monitoring systems for key parameters such as turbidity,

lead, arsenic, and chloride levels to enable real-time data collection and immediate
responses to water quality deviations.

2. Increase Sampling Frequency and Points:

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  Increase the number of sampling points across all water supply areas (e.g., Staff
Colony, Hostel, Campus) to ensure comprehensive coverage and identify potential
contamination sources.

 Conduct more frequent biological testing (total coliforms and E. coli) to detect
microbiological risks promptly.

Public Awareness:

1. Resident Education Programs:

 Organize workshops and awareness campaigns for students and staff about the
importance of water filtration and boiling, particularly during times of higher turbidity
or contamination risks.

 Provide guidelines on safe water consumption practices, such as the use of home
filters, boiling water, or using bottled water for drinking when necessary.

2. Health Advisory System:

 Implement a water quality alert system that issues timely advisories to residents
when water quality falls below acceptable standards. This can include text
messages, emails, or on-campus announcements.

 Provide residents with easy access to health advisories and recommendations on

handling waterborne diseases, such as typhoid and cholera.

3. Water Treatment Education:

 Offer free water purification kits to residents, especially in high-risk areas (Hostel,
Staff Colony), which include filters or water purification tablets.

 Hold periodic training sessions for residents on using these purification kits
effectively and understanding the importance of safe water practices.

Address Plumbing System Issues:

 Conduct plumbing audits to identify old or corroded pipes that may contribute to
contamination, particularly with lead.

 Replace or repair old pipelines with non-corrosive materials to prevent further

contamination risks.

Community Engagement:

Involve Local Communities:

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  Engage students, staff, and residents in water conservation and quality
improvement efforts through surveys, town hall meetings, and feedback sessions.

 Encourage the community to actively participate in maintaining clean water sources

and report any water quality issues they experience.

By implementing these recommendations, UET Lahore can significantly improve water

quality and safeguard the health of its residents.

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