The Impact of Commercial Desalination Processes on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Drinking Water in the Al-Asabaˊa Municipality

Abstract

Water is regarded as the most essential biological compound for the survival of living organisms, as it plays a fundamental role in numerous biological processes, including the conversion of food into energy and the removal of toxins and metabolic waste. Additionally, water serves as an effective medium for the transport of contaminants both within and outside the human body. This study was conducted to evaluate the drinking water produced by water treatment units in the Asabi‘a municipality and to assess its suitability for human consumption during the period from October 2023 to February 2024. The objective was to determine the impact of commercial desalination methods on drinking water quality and to assess its compliance with human health requirements by examining its physical and chemical characteristics, estimating the concentrations of selected ions, and comparing the results with established reference standards. A total of 12 water samples were collected prior to desalination and 12 treated drinking water samples were collected from commercial desalination units distributed throughout the Asabi‘a municipality. Physical and chemical parameters were measured, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). The concentrations of selected ions were also determined using a computerized UV spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the pH values of the pre-treatment water samples were within the acceptable range, whereas the post-treatment samples exhibited pH levels below both national and international permissible limits. Total dissolved solids were low in most samples, and electrical conductivity values were also below local and international standards. Furthermore, the concentrations of nitrate and sulfate ions were low and did not meet the required specifications.