Bacteriological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality and Related Health Risks in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

In Pakistan, the fast development of community and globalization has remarkably deteriorated the standard of drinking water, causing serious risks related to public health. This research work investigates the bacteriological and physicochemical standard of drinking water in different sections of Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), Peshawar, and evaluates the related health risks. A cross-sectional expressive approach is accepted, with water samples collected from all major hospital units and analyzed at the laboratory of Khyber Medical College (KMC). Physicochemical variables assessed consisted odor, taste, color, turbidity, nitrate, chloride, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), sulfate, and. Calcium. Results obtained presented that all samples are as per requirements of World Health Organization (WHO) standards for physicochemical standard. Moreover, bacteriological analysis showed that only 26% of the samples are free from coliform bacteria, while 74% revealed pollution ranging from mild to moderate levels. These results present the remarkable risk caused by microbial pollution instead of acceptable physicochemical properties. The research work presents the urgent need for improved water treatment, regular checking, and infrastructure upgrades to secure the supply of safe drinking water in healthcare environments, finally protecting staff, patients, and visitors from infections produced from water.