Study of some physiochemical properties of drinking water wells in the Traghen region, southern Libya

Abstract

   This study was conducted on drinking water wells in the Traghen region of southern Libya to evaluate their quality and suitability. The analysis also assessed the extent of compliance with the standards set by the World Health Organization, the guiding standards issued by the European Community of Nations in 1992, and Libyan Standard Specification No. 82 of 1992.

     Samples were collected from four main wells in the region, along with samples from a ground tank and a home desalination device for comparison. We measured several physicochemical properties, and the results indicated the following ranges: pH values from 6.8 to 7.7, electrical conductivity from 134 to 2,166 dS/cm, total dissolved solids ranging from 90 to 1,451.2 mg.L-1, total alkalinity from 15 to 28 mg.L-1, total dissolved materials from 223 to 463 mg.L-1, magnesium from 19.2 to 32.88 mg.L-1, calcium from 4 to 57.2 mg.L-1, and chloride from 0.1 to 229.6. mg.L-1

   All results fell within the acceptable ranges established by the World Health Organization, European standards, and Libyan standards. Therefore, we recommend a further evaluation of the water quality from these wells, examining both chemical and microbiological aspects, to assess its suitability for drinking and various domestic uses.