Physicochemical quality of drinking water at selected points-of-use at Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe

Author

Munashe Mutape

Title

Physicochemical quality of drinking water at selected points-of-use at Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: Access to safe drinking water relies on point-of-use (POU) water systems due to potential contamination.
Objectives: Concentrations of selected physicochemical parameters of drinking water were measured across four university campuses and were compared with international threshold limits.
Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, water samples were collected and analyzed for some selected physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, hardness) and selected trace elements ( Zn, Cu,Pb,Ni and Cd) using standard operating procedures between May and July, 2025 at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE). Measured mean parameter values were compared across campuses using One-Way ANOVA and compared to drinking water quality guidelines using a one sample t-test in SPSS 27.Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.
Key findings: Most trace elements were below limits of detection. Parameter variations across campuses were statistically significant in hardness and pH. Parameter comparison with WHO limits were well within limits. There was little ionic content at all sites due to the low EC (3.21 – 13.56 µS/cm).
Conclusion: High water hardness observed may have other implications than direct human health.

Date

May 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Drinking water

Hardness

Trace elements

Water quality.

Supervisor

Dr. A. Kanda