Comprehensive Assessment of Household Water Filtration Device Efficacy in Baghdad using AAS and FAE Spectroscopy: Chemical and Microbiological Quality over Time
This study evaluated the role of household filtration device in improving water quality over a six-month period. Concentrations of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), lead (Pb+2), and aluminum (Al+3) were measured using flame atomic emission (FAE) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). These analytical methods demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.997) with low limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values, ensuring high sensitivity and precision for the analysis of these elements. Key water quality parameters, including conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH, were also studied. Microbiological analysis (for Staphylococcus aureus) was performed on samples from a new (one-day-old) filter, a six-month-old filter, and unfiltered tap water. The results show that the filters effectively reduce (Pb+2) to undetectable levels, and significantly lower (Na+) and (Al+3) concentrations. However, increasing (Na+) and (K+) concentrations over time lead to decreased household filtration device efficiency. The new household filtration device effectively eliminated Staphylococcus aureus, but it did appear in a six-month-old filter sample, indicating that household filtration device is declining in their bacterial removal effectiveness. These results underscore the need for continuous monitoring, maintenance, and periodic filter replacement to ensure optimal, sustainable performance and the chemical and microbiological safety of household drinking water.