DefinePK

Abstract

Objectives: Water pollution represents one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges, particularly in developing regions where canal systems serve as primary sources for domestic and agricultural needs. This study investigates the extent of water contamination and its implications for human health and environmental sustainability in Balochistan, Pakistan.
Aims: The research aimed to (i) assess the biological, chemical, and physical quality of canal water, (ii) examine the prevalence of waterborne diseases across different age groups, and (iii) establish associations between specific pollutants and disease incidence.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive–analytical design was adopted. Water samples were systematically collected from four major canals (Pat Feeder, Kirthar, Kachhi, Uch) and analyzed against WHO standards for microbial, chemical, and physical parameters. Parallelly, clinical data from 2,816 patients (aged 1–60 years) residing along the canals were reviewed. Statistical analysis employed chi-square and regression models using SPSS v29.0 to explore pollutant–disease linkages.
Results: Canal waters showed severe contamination, with coliforms, E. coli, arsenic, lead, nitrates, and pesticides exceeding WHO permissible limits by 2–7 folds. Physical quality indicators (turbidity, TDS, conductivity) also surpassed thresholds. The 21–40-year age group exhibited the highest prevalence of hepatitis B (22%) and C (18%), while diarrheal and typhoid cases predominated in the 1–20-year group. Strong associations were observed between microbial pollutants and cholera/typhoid, and between heavy metals/pesticides and hepatitis.
Conclusions: The findings reveal a critical public health emergency linked to deteriorating water quality in Balochistan’s canals. Effective interventions—ranging from stringent regulatory enforcement, wastewater treatment, and safer agricultural practices to community awareness are urgently needed to safeguard water sustainability, reduce disease burden, and advance progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals.