Abstract:
Groundwater is the major source for domestic, and other uses in the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. This study
assessed the spatial and seasonal variation of physical and chemical parameters of water collected from domestic
wells in Chunnakam and Vadamaradchi aquifers. The measured physicochemical parameters were compared
with the drinking water standards established by Sri Lanka Standards Institution.
Significant spatial variations in the water quality parameters were identified in both areas. Significantly
elevated levels of nitrate and oil & grease were identified in Chunnakam, whereas significantly elevated levels of
DO and pH were recorded in Vadamaradchi. Nitrate concentration of the wells ranged between 0.021–40.1 mg/
L. Oil & grease of these wells ranged from 0.011 to 0.373 mg/L. In Chunnakam, 60% of sampled wells had nitrate
level above the permitted nitrate standard level, and all the wells had elevated oil and grease concentration
above the permitted standard limit. Filtration of water through Moringa oleifera leaf powder could significantly
reduce the nitrate an oil and grease concentrations, thereby improving the quality of water.
