Health risks associated with seasonal water quality in the Hasbani River, Lebanon: a physicochemical and microbiological analysis

In Lebanon, polluted water resources are commonly used for various purposes. Hasbayya, a district located in southern Lebanon, is known for being surrounded by the Hasbani River, which serves as the primary source of domestic water for households in the area. This water is used without undergoing any treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of the Hasbani River and domestic water in Hasbayya, South Lebanon. A total of 20 water samples were collected from households and 15 samples from different sites along the river during three seasons. These samples were analyzed for physical parameters (pH, total dissolved solids, and temperature) and bacterial parameters (total bacterial growth and total and fecal coliforms). Microscopy was employed to inspect the presence of the parasitic <i>Entamoeba</i> spp. contamination. The metallic quality of samples was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The findings demonstrated that all samples obtained from Hasbayya and Hasbani exhibited significant bacterial and parasitological contamination. The results of metallic analysis indicated that certain water samples displayed elevated iron levels. In conclusion, the potable water in Hasbayya does not meet the national and international guidelines for safe drinking water and should not be consumed.