A Method Development to Enhance Water Alkalinity for Reducing Health Risks Associated with Unsafe Water

Aram Dawood Abbas ¹*

This study demonstrated a practical method to enhance drinking water quality, potentially reducing health risks associated with unsafe water.

Abstract

Background: Water is essential for life, sustaining both biological and human activities. It plays a crucial role in the physiological functions of the human body and shapes human civilization. Water’s unique properties and its pH, a measure of its acidity or alkalinity, influence its quality and impact on health. The pH of drinking water is particularly important for microbial activity and human health. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of increasing water alkalinity, with a focus on improving pH levels in tap water through the use of clay pots. Methods: The study was conducted in Sulaymaniyah city, with tap water sourced from the Dokan Dam. Ceramic clay pots, selected for their availability and affordability, were used to treat the tap water. The experiment measured the pH of untreated tap water and compared it to water stored in clay pots over a 24-hour period for 12 weeks. A paired t-test was used to analyze the difference in pH levels between untreated and treated water across two seasons, autumn and winter. Results: The results showed a significant increase in the pH levels of tap water after treatment with clay pots. In autumn, pH values rose by an average of 2.86, while in winter, the increase averaged 2.66. Statistical analysis confirmed highly significant differences in pH between untreated and treated water for both seasons (p = 0.000002), demonstrating the effectiveness of clay pots in raising water alkalinity. Conclusion: The study concluded that clay pots offer a simple and cost-effective method to increase the alkalinity of tap water, improving its quality. This approach can benefit public health, particularly in regions with limited access to advanced water treatment technologies. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and broader applications of using clay pots for water treatment.

Keywords: Water Quality, PH Levels, Clay Pots, Alkalinity, Public Health

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