Occurrence and characteristics of inorganic ions and microorganisms in potable water from Jamaica

Water samples were collected from seven areas across Jamaica and they were analyzed for inorganic ions using the Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GF-AA) analytical technique. The samples were tested for the presence of ions and microbes followed by gel electrophoresis. Iron and phosphate concentrations were higher in urban areas. Increased concentration of these inorganic ions has been linked to hemachromatosis, hypertension, tachycardia and central nervous system defects. The alkaline values in the pH may favor the growth of gram negative organisms. An increase in total chlorine concentration in Mandeville has implications for the incidence of diseases of the cardiovascular system. The values of the Lead and Cadmium that were detected in St. Thomas and St. Elizabeth exceeded acceptable concentrations. Copper concentration was highest in the urban areas. Five gram negative pathogens were identified which caused urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal diseases. EcoRI and HindIII digests showed varying banding patterns with a common band of 2,060 bps. The results of the study indicate that the potable water samples taken from selected urban and rural areas were contaminated with chemicals and microbes which are known to have a significant impact on the occurrence of various diseases in the population. Effective water treatment methods should be implemented in order to reduce this health risk to the population. Further studies should be done to determine the origin of the contamination and the types of groups at risk.