The Effect of Different Types of Drinking Water Plastic Tanks Used at Homes on Water Quality: A Study of Various Samples under Standard Conditions

Abstract

Aim:  The study aimed to find any differences in water quality stored by using different types of plastic tanks.

Subject and Methods: Four types of plastic tanks were used in the study: polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyvinyl chloride. The experiments were done at the laboratory under practical conditions, like stored water volume, time, and temperature. The water was analyzed for electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH, and the presence of some chemical contaminants.

Results: The results between conductivity and the total dissolved solid gave a positive direct relation of (r = 0.7), while the results between conductivity and pH gave a negative inverse relation of (r= -0.5). There was a variation and an increasing concentration value in tank type of polycarbonate, and polyvinyl chloride than other types, while there were the same concentrations value in all tank types of Lead, that showed concentrations below (0.01) micrograms per liter. There were statistical differences between tank types, of Bisphenol A and Phthalates, while the remaining was not significant. There was a statistical difference in the water stored in polyethylene and polypropylene tanks, which contained acceptable parameters than other types.

Conclusion: The study findings emphasize the importance of thinking about made material traits whilst selecting a tank type for storing water at home, and storing water by using polyethylene and polypropylene tanks to reduce the health risks from the librating of chemicals to the stored water.