Abstract
Water samples were collected from 400 coolers in Riyadh area. From each cooler, one feed and one cooled water samples were collected. These samples were analyzed for trace metals like Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectrophotometer equipped with ultrasonic nebulizer. Out of 400 coolers, water from 382 (95.50%) were found to meet World Health Organization (WHO), Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO), and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) drinking water standards whereas water from 18 coolers (4.50%) were found to have elevated levels of Fe, Pb, and Ni metals. In one cooler, water was allowed to stand for 12 h and a 1 L sample collected every 2 h. All the metals mentioned above with the exception of Pb were found to increase due to standing time.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Akin, O., Grafkes, H., & Klubberg, F. (1993). Heavy metal contamination of drinking water through corrosion processes in copper-cold water installations. VDI-Berichte, 1060, 241–248.
Alabdula’aly, A. I. (1997). Trace metals in Riyadh public water supplies. Arabian Journal for Science And Engineering, 22(1c), 165–174.
Alam, I. A., & Sadiq, M. (1989). Metal contamination of drinking water from corrosion of distribution pipes. Journal of Environment and Pollution, 57, 167–178. doi:10.1016/0269-7491(89)90008-0.
Al-Saleh, I. A. (1996). Trace elements in drinking water coolers collected from primary schools, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Science of the Total Environment, 181(3), 215–221.
Bellinger, D. C. (1984). Early sensory-motor development and prenatal exposure to lead. Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology, 6, 387–402.
Bellinger, D. C. (1987). Longitudinal analysis of prenatal and postnatal lead exposures and early congestive development. New England Journal of Medicine, 316, 1037–1043.
Bellinger, D. C. (1989). Prenatal early postnatal exposure to lead and risk of developmental impairment. Birth Defects, 25, 73–97.
Davis, W. F. (1990). A case study of lead in drinking water: Protocol, methods, and investigative techniques. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 51, 620–624.
Franque, O. V., & Winkler, B. (1981). Heavy metal contamination of drinking water from fittings and solder materials. Metall, 35, 222–227.
Lautenberg, F. R. (1985). Testimony before the U.S. senate committee on environment and public works. In: Hearing on the lead free drinking water act (p. 3) May 23, 1985
Moerbe, K., & Lingelbach, H. (1983). Material dependent heavy metal contamination in drinking water. Korrosion, 14(5), 224–237.
Monmaney, T., Hager, M., & Springen, K. (1987). Poison in the plumbing? News Week, 112(25), 55.
Mubarak, F. A. (2004). Urban growth boundary policy and residential suburbanization: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Habitat International, 28(4), 567–591.
National Research Council (NRC) (1977). Drinking water and health (pp. 205–488). Washington, D.C.: The National Academy of Sciences.
Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) (1984). Bottled and unbottled drinking water. Standard no. 409, UDC 663.6.
Schock, M. R., & Neff, C. H. (1988). Trace metals contamination from Brass fittings. Journal of the American Water Works Association (JAWWAS), 80(11), 47–56.
Stewart, J. C. (1990). Drinking water hazards. Hirarn: Envirographics.
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) (2005). Drinking water regulations and health advisories, Washington, D.C. www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html.
World Health Organization (WHO) (1994). Guidelines for drinking water quality, Recommendations, Geneva, WHO, Vol 1.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Alabdula’aly, A.I., Khan, M.A. Heavy metals in cooler waters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Environ Monit Assess 157, 23–28 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0511-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0511-3