Continued monitoring of well water quality

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 141 views

Determining the Levels of Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), and Manganese (MN) in Well Water in Kutacane Tires, Southeast Aceh: A Study Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Introduction

Access to safe and clean water is a fundamental human right, and well water is one of the primary sources of water for many communities around the world. However, the quality of well water can be affected by various factors, including the presence of heavy metals such as iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and manganese (MN). These metals can contaminate the water through natural sources, human activities, or industrial processes. In this study, we aimed to determine the levels of iron, lead, and manganese in well water samples collected from the Kutacane tires area in Southeast Aceh using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Background

Well water is a vital source of water for many communities, particularly in rural areas where access to piped water is limited. However, the quality of well water can be compromised by the presence of heavy metals, which can have adverse effects on human health. Iron, lead, and manganese are three of the most common heavy metals found in well water, and their levels can vary depending on the source of the water, geological conditions, and human activities.

Iron (Fe) is an essential element for human health, but excessive levels can cause changes in water color and taste, and potentially lead to health problems if consumed in large quantities over a long period. Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems, including neurological disorders, developmental delays, and kidney damage. Manganese (MN) is an essential element for human health, but excessive levels can cause neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and other health issues.

Methodology

In this study, we collected well water samples from the Kutacane tires area in Southeast Aceh and analyzed them for iron, lead, and manganese using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The samples were collected from two different wells, and the analysis was conducted at the Regional Health Laboratory of North Sumatra Province.

Results and Analysis

The results of the analysis are presented in the following table:

Sample	Iron (Fe)	Lead (Pb)	Manganese (MN)
Well Water Sample 1	0.19 mg/l	-0.063 mg/l	0.1015 mg/l
Well Water Sample 2	0.213 mg/l	-0.057 mg/l	0.0315 mg/l

The results indicate that the levels of iron and manganese in both samples are below the specified threshold. According to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 416 of 1990, the quality standards for iron, lead, and manganese are as follows:

Iron (Fe): 1.0 mg/l
Lead (Pb): 0.05 mg/l
Manganese (MN): 0.5 mg/l

These results indicate that lead levels in both samples are not even detected, which means that lead contamination in this area is very low. This is good news for the surrounding community, as lead is a heavy metal that is harmful to health if accumulated in the body.

However, although the level of iron and manganese is still within safe limits, it is essential to continue to monitor the quality of well water. Iron in high levels can cause changes in water color and taste, and potentially cause health problems if consumed in large quantities for a long time. Likewise, excessive amounts of manganese can cause various health problems, including neurological disorders.

Conclusion

This study provides important information about the quality of well water in the Kutacane tires area in Southeast Aceh. From the analysis of iron content (Fe), lead (Pb), and manganese (MN), it can be concluded that the water quality is still safe to use. However, routine supervision and efforts to improve the quality of water sources must be carried out to ensure the safety and health of the public. With a good understanding of water quality, it is hoped that the community can take the necessary steps to maintain their health.

Recommendations

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

Continued monitoring of well water quality: Regular monitoring of well water quality is essential to ensure that the levels of iron, lead, and manganese remain within safe limits.
Improvement of water sources: Efforts should be made to improve the quality of water sources, including the construction of new wells or the rehabilitation of existing ones.
Education and awareness: The community should be educated about the importance of safe and clean water, and the potential health risks associated with the presence of heavy metals in well water.
Implementation of water treatment: Water treatment technologies should be implemented to remove heavy metals and other contaminants from well water.

By following these recommendations, the community can ensure that their well water is safe to use and that they can maintain their health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determining the Levels of Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), and Manganese (MN) in Well Water in Kutacane Tires, Southeast Aceh

Q: What is the importance of determining the levels of iron, lead, and manganese in well water?

A: Determining the levels of iron, lead, and manganese in well water is crucial to ensure the safety and health of the community. These heavy metals can contaminate the water through natural sources, human activities, or industrial processes, and can cause a range of health problems if consumed in large quantities over a long period.

Q: What are the health effects of iron, lead, and manganese in well water?

A: Iron in high levels can cause changes in water color and taste, and potentially lead to health problems if consumed in large quantities over a long period. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems, including neurological disorders, developmental delays, and kidney damage. Manganese is an essential element for human health, but excessive levels can cause neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and other health issues.

Q: How were the well water samples collected and analyzed in this study?

A: The well water samples were collected from two different wells in the Kutacane tires area in Southeast Aceh. The samples were then analyzed for iron, lead, and manganese using atomic absorption spectrophotometry at the Regional Health Laboratory of North Sumatra Province.

Q: What were the results of the analysis?

A: The results of the analysis indicated that the levels of iron and manganese in both samples were below the specified threshold. However, lead levels in both samples were not even detected, which means that lead contamination in this area is very low.

Q: What are the implications of the results for the community?

A: The results of this study indicate that the water quality in the Kutacane tires area is still safe to use. However, routine supervision and efforts to improve the quality of water sources must be carried out to ensure the safety and health of the public.

Q: What are the recommendations for the community based on the findings of this study?

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

Continued monitoring of well water quality: Regular monitoring of well water quality is essential to ensure that the levels of iron, lead, and manganese remain within safe limits.
Improvement of water sources: Efforts should be made to improve the quality of water sources, including the construction of new wells or the rehabilitation of existing ones.
Education and awareness: The community should be educated about the importance of safe and clean water, and the potential health risks associated with the presence of heavy metals in well water.
Implementation of water treatment: Water treatment technologies should be implemented to remove heavy metals and other contaminants from well water.

Q: How can the community ensure that their well water is safe to use?

A: The community can ensure that their well water is safe to use by:

Regularly testing the water quality: Regular testing of the water quality can help identify any potential contaminants or heavy metals.
Using water treatment technologies: Water treatment technologies can help remove heavy metals and other contaminants from well water.
Improving the quality of water sources: Efforts should be made to improve the quality of water sources, including the construction of new wells or the rehabilitation of existing ones.
Educating themselves about water safety: The community should be educated about the importance of safe and clean water, and the potential health risks associated with the presence of heavy metals in well water.

Q: What are the next steps for the community?

A: The next steps for the community are to:

Implement the recommendations: The community should implement the recommendations made in this study, including continued monitoring of well water quality, improvement of water sources, education and awareness, and implementation of water treatment technologies.
Continuously monitor the water quality: Regular monitoring of the water quality is essential to ensure that the levels of iron, lead, and manganese remain within safe limits.
Work with local authorities: The community should work with local authorities to ensure that the water quality is safe and that the necessary measures are taken to improve the quality of water sources.