Physicochemical evaluation of irrigation water and determination of heavy metals in Baixa de Hulene-B, Maputo: impacts on public health

To assess the effects of heavy metals (lead, mercury, and silver) present in the irrigation water from Baixa de Hulene-B, this study examined both physicochemical and additional chemical parameters in the water. The water floods the aquifers and vegetable cultivation areas during rainfall, carrying waste and solid refuse from the region's cities. This contamination affects the quality of the water used for irrigation, leading to health problems. The research was descriptive and explanatory in nature and employed a quantitative approach using deductive and comparative methods. Systematic water samples were collected from four supply wells. The results indicated that the physicochemical characteristics of the irrigation water did not meet recommended standards. Only three parameters (chloride ions, pH, and hardness) were within acceptable limits, while eight parameters (electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, nitrates, lead, mercury, and silver) exceeded recommended limits, posing a risk to public health. To safeguard public health, measures should be taken to improve the quality of irrigation water in Baixa de Hulene-B. This includes installing water treatment systems and educating farmers about the risks associated with using contaminated water.