Ethics code: IR.ZUMS.BLC.1403.140
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Nassiri J, Mohammadi G, Asgari E, Naghiloo M, Mirza Alizadeh A, Nazari S. Comprehensive assessment of drinking water quality based on physicochemical, microbial, and corrosion indicators in Zanjan city. J Environ Health Eng 2026; 14 :1-12
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1146-en.html
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1146-en.html
Jalil Nassiri1 
, Ghasem Mohammadi1 , Esrafil Asgari *2 , Mohammad Naghiloo3 , Adel Mirza Alizadeh4 , Shahram Nazari5
, Ghasem Mohammadi1 , Esrafil Asgari *2 , Mohammad Naghiloo3 , Adel Mirza Alizadeh4 , Shahram Nazari5
1- Master of Science in Environmental Health Engineering, Deputy of Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran ,asgari.esrafil@zums.ac.ir
3- Master's student of Environmental Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
5- Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran ,
3- Master's student of Environmental Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
5- Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
Abstract: (2 Views)
Background: Drinking water quality has a direct effect on public health. Given the heavy reliance of Zanjan city on groundwater resources and existing hydrogeological challenges, this study aimed to comprehensively assess the physicochemical and microbial quality of the city's drinking water in 2023–2024 and compare it with national and international standards.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using official data from the Zanjan drinking water distribution network. Periodic sampling was performed from water sources and distribution points. Physicochemical parameters (such as turbidity, pH, TDS, hardness, and major ions) and microbial indicators (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and HPC) were measured using standard methods and compared with national and WHO permissible limits. Corrosion indices (LSI and RSI) were also calculated.
Results: The physicochemical quality of water complied with the standards for most parameters. Mean turbidity (0.47 NTU) was low, pH (6.6) was balanced, and TDS (367 mg/L) was favorable. However, total hardness was elevated in some samples, and residual chlorine concentration was at the lower desirable limit. Microbiologically, 100% of samples were free of fecal coliforms, and HPC in all samples was below the EPA limit. The LSI (0.34) and RSI (5.93) indicated water stability and very low corrosivity.
Conclusion: The drinking water of Zanjan city in 2023–2024 was in a favorable and safe condition for human consumption in terms of physicochemical and microbial quality. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring of sensitive parameters such as hardness, residual chlorine, and TDS is essential, particularly given the dependence on groundwater and hydrogeochemical variations.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using official data from the Zanjan drinking water distribution network. Periodic sampling was performed from water sources and distribution points. Physicochemical parameters (such as turbidity, pH, TDS, hardness, and major ions) and microbial indicators (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and HPC) were measured using standard methods and compared with national and WHO permissible limits. Corrosion indices (LSI and RSI) were also calculated.
Results: The physicochemical quality of water complied with the standards for most parameters. Mean turbidity (0.47 NTU) was low, pH (6.6) was balanced, and TDS (367 mg/L) was favorable. However, total hardness was elevated in some samples, and residual chlorine concentration was at the lower desirable limit. Microbiologically, 100% of samples were free of fecal coliforms, and HPC in all samples was below the EPA limit. The LSI (0.34) and RSI (5.93) indicated water stability and very low corrosivity.
Conclusion: The drinking water of Zanjan city in 2023–2024 was in a favorable and safe condition for human consumption in terms of physicochemical and microbial quality. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring of sensitive parameters such as hardness, residual chlorine, and TDS is essential, particularly given the dependence on groundwater and hydrogeochemical variations.
Keywords: Drinking water quality, Physicochemical monitoring, Microbial indicators, Groundwater, Zanjan city
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/12 | Accepted: 2026/04/29 | Published: 2026/06/20
Received: 2025/12/12 | Accepted: 2026/04/29 | Published: 2026/06/20
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