Analysis of Zinc and Iron Levels in Drinking Water

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 49 views

Introduction

The quality of drinking water is a crucial aspect of public health, and the presence of certain elements such as zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) can have significant implications for human health. In this study, we investigated the content of Zn and Fe in drinking water from the refill drinking water depot in Sibolangit, Medan, using the wet destruction method. The samples analyzed included raw water from the filling place in the Sibolangit mountains, water from the transport car tank, and water from the refill drinking water depot. Our research aimed to determine the levels of Zn and Fe in these samples and compare the results with the applicable standards.

Methodology

The wet destruction method was used to analyze the samples, which involved the use of concentrated HNO3 and Aqua Regia. The selection of this method was based on international analysis standards, and the results obtained were compared with the applicable provisions of Permenkes No. 416 of 1990 and Kepmenkes No. 907 of 2002. The content of Zn and Fe in the samples was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (SSA) with optimization conditions according to applicable procedures.

Analysis of Zinc and Iron Levels in Drinking Water

The content of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in drinking water is very important for human health. Zinc plays a crucial role in various biological functions, including in the immune system and wound healing, while iron is an essential component in the formation of hemoglobin that transports oxygen in the blood. Therefore, monitoring the levels of these two elements in drinking water is very crucial, especially in areas with water sources that may be affected by human activity or pollution.

In this study, the use of appropriate destruction methods such as HNO3 and Aqua Regia is the key to obtaining accurate analysis results. The concentrated HNO3 method is generally safer and simpler, but Aqua Regia, which is a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, is more effective in dissolving heavy metals. The selection of this method is in line with the international analysis standards, so that the results obtained can be relied upon.

Results and Discussion

The results of the analysis show that the levels of zinc and iron in refill drinking water (AMIU) vary, but still meet the criteria for the quality of raw water determined by Permenkes No. 416 of 1990 and Kepmenkes No. 907 of 2002. In addition, the statistical test conducted shows that there is no significant difference between the results of water analysis from various sources, both from the water filling site in Sibolangit, transporting cars, or drinking water depots in Medan.

The provisions that apply based on Permenkes and Kepmenkes provide maximum limits on ZN and Fe levels allowed in drinking water. The results showed that although there were variations, all samples were tested to meet the specified requirements. This indicates that drinking water from the depot in the area is suitable for consumption and safe for public health.

Conclusion

Thus, this study provides a clear picture of the content of zinc and iron in drinking water from the refill drinking water depot in Medan. Satisfying results and the absence of significant differences between water sources confirms that the quality of water in the area is well maintained. However, it is essential to continue to carry out regular monitoring to ensure the safety and health of the public. Efforts to prevent the potential of contamination and guarantee of drinking water quality must be a priority so that public health is maintained.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of drinking water quality: Regular monitoring of drinking water quality is essential to ensure the safety and health of the public.
Prevention of contamination: Efforts to prevent the potential of contamination and guarantee of drinking water quality must be a priority.
Improvement of water treatment facilities: Improvement of water treatment facilities is necessary to ensure that the water meets the applicable standards.
Public education: Public education on the importance of drinking water quality and the potential risks associated with contaminated water is essential.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size used in this study was limited, and therefore, the results may not be representative of the entire population.
Limited analysis methods: The analysis methods used in this study were limited, and therefore, the results may not be comprehensive.
Limited time frame: The study was conducted over a limited time frame, and therefore, the results may not be representative of the long-term effects of drinking water quality.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Investigation of other water sources: Investigation of other water sources, such as rivers and lakes, to determine the levels of Zn and Fe in these sources.
Analysis of other elements: Analysis of other elements, such as lead and mercury, to determine their levels in drinking water.
Investigation of the effects of water treatment: Investigation of the effects of water treatment on the levels of Zn and Fe in drinking water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a clear picture of the content of zinc and iron in drinking water from the refill drinking water depot in Medan. The results show that the levels of Zn and Fe in the samples vary, but still meet the criteria for the quality of raw water determined by Permenkes No. 416 of 1990 and Kepmenkes No. 907 of 2002. The study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of drinking water quality and the need for efforts to prevent the potential of contamination and guarantee of drinking water quality.

Q: What is the importance of monitoring zinc and iron levels in drinking water?

A: Monitoring zinc and iron levels in drinking water is crucial for human health. Zinc plays a role in various biological functions, including in the immune system and wound healing, while iron is an essential component in the formation of hemoglobin that transports oxygen in the blood.

Q: What are the maximum limits of zinc and iron levels allowed in drinking water?

A: The maximum limits of zinc and iron levels allowed in drinking water are determined by Permenkes No. 416 of 1990 and Kepmenkes No. 907 of 2002. The results of the analysis showed that all samples met the specified requirements.

Q: What are the methods used to analyze zinc and iron levels in drinking water?

A: The wet destruction method was used to analyze the samples, which involved the use of concentrated HNO3 and Aqua Regia. The content of Zn and Fe in the samples was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (SSA) with optimization conditions according to applicable procedures.

Q: What are the results of the analysis?

A: The results of the analysis show that the levels of zinc and iron in refill drinking water (AMIU) vary, but still meet the criteria for the quality of raw water determined by Permenkes No. 416 of 1990 and Kepmenkes No. 907 of 2002. In addition, the statistical test conducted shows that there is no significant difference between the results of water analysis from various sources.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving drinking water quality?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of drinking water quality: Regular monitoring of drinking water quality is essential to ensure the safety and health of the public.
Prevention of contamination: Efforts to prevent the potential of contamination and guarantee of drinking water quality must be a priority.
Improvement of water treatment facilities: Improvement of water treatment facilities is necessary to ensure that the water meets the applicable standards.
Public education: Public education on the importance of drinking water quality and the potential risks associated with contaminated water is essential.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size used in this study was limited, and therefore, the results may not be representative of the entire population.
Limited analysis methods: The analysis methods used in this study were limited, and therefore, the results may not be comprehensive.
Limited time frame: The study was conducted over a limited time frame, and therefore, the results may not be representative of the long-term effects of drinking water quality.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions include:

Investigation of other water sources: Investigation of other water sources, such as rivers and lakes, to determine the levels of Zn and Fe in these sources.
Analysis of other elements: Analysis of other elements, such as lead and mercury, to determine their levels in drinking water.
Investigation of the effects of water treatment: Investigation of the effects of water treatment on the levels of Zn and Fe in drinking water.

Q: What are the implications of the study for public health?

A: The study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of drinking water quality and the need for efforts to prevent the potential of contamination and guarantee of drinking water quality. The results of the study confirm that drinking water from the depot in the area is suitable for consumption and safe for public health.

Q: What are the recommendations for policymakers?

A: Based on the findings of this study, policymakers are recommended to:

Implement regular monitoring of drinking water quality: Regular monitoring of drinking water quality is essential to ensure the safety and health of the public.
Invest in water treatment facilities: Improvement of water treatment facilities is necessary to ensure that the water meets the applicable standards.
Educate the public: Public education on the importance of drinking water quality and the potential risks associated with contaminated water is essential.

Q: What are the recommendations for water treatment facilities?

A: Based on the findings of this study, water treatment facilities are recommended to:

Implement regular monitoring of drinking water quality: Regular monitoring of drinking water quality is essential to ensure the safety and health of the public.
Invest in water treatment facilities: Improvement of water treatment facilities is necessary to ensure that the water meets the applicable standards.
Educate the public: Public education on the importance of drinking water quality and the potential risks associated with contaminated water is essential.