Determining Nitrite Content in Drinking Water Samples in the Regional Health Laboratory of North Sumatra Province for the January 2019 Period with the Spectrophotometry Method
Introduction
Drinking water is a vital source of life for humans, and ensuring its quality is crucial to meet health standards. The presence of nitrite in drinking water is a significant concern, as it can be formed from pollution or improper processing, potentially endangering health by lowering blood pressure. Therefore, this research was conducted in the Regional Health Laboratory of North Sumatra Province to determine the level of nitrite in drinking water samples during the January 2019 period.
The Importance of Drinking Water Quality
Drinking water quality is a critical aspect of public health, and its importance cannot be overstated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines for drinking water quality, which include limits for various parameters, including nitrite. The presence of nitrite in drinking water can have adverse health effects, including methemoglobinemia, a condition characterized by an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and control nitrite levels in drinking water to ensure public health.
Research Objectives
The primary objective of this study was to analyze and determine nitrite levels in various drinking water samples taken from the North Sumatra region. By knowing the level of nitrite, we can evaluate whether the drinking water is safe for consumption. The study aimed to:
Determine the level of nitrite in drinking water samples collected from the North Sumatra region
Evaluate the safety of drinking water for consumption based on the nitrite levels
Provide useful information for the community and authorities in the supervision of drinking water quality
Methodology
The method used to analyze nitrite levels was the visible light spectrophotometry using the Pharo 300 spectrophotometer. This tool is designed to measure nitrite levels with a wavelength of 543 Nm, which is an important step to ensure the accuracy of the analysis results. Strict testing procedures in the Regional Health Laboratory of North Sumatra Province follow the standards set, to ensure that each step of the analysis is carried out correctly and the results obtained can be relied upon.
Sampling and Analysis
A total of 4 drinking water samples were collected from the North Sumatra region and analyzed for nitrite levels using the spectrophotometry method. The samples were collected from different locations, including urban and rural areas, to ensure a representative sample of the region. The analysis was carried out in the Regional Health Laboratory of North Sumatra Province, using the Pharo 300 spectrophotometer.
Results
The results of the analysis are presented in the following table:
Sample Code
Nitrite Level (mg/L)
AM 1182
0.02
AM 1186
<0.01
AM 1187
<0.01
AM 1188
<0.01
Discussion
The results of the analysis showed that the nitrite levels in the drinking water samples were generally below the threshold set by the Minister of Health Regulation No. 492/MENKES/PER/IV/2010. The results indicate that the drinking water samples are safe for consumption, and the nitrite levels do not pose a significant health risk.
Conclusion
Nitrite levels in drinking water samples that are tested meet health requirements, which indicates that the water is safe for consumption. This research is important because it provides useful information for the community and the authorities in the supervision of drinking water quality. By continuing to do regular testing, we can maintain the quality of drinking water and public health.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:
Regular testing of drinking water samples should be conducted to ensure that the water is safe for consumption
The community should be more aware of the importance of drinking water quality and take steps to prevent pollution
Related parties should be more proactive in conducting supervision and research to ensure that the available drinking water is completely safe for health
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
The sample size was limited to 4 drinking water samples
The analysis was carried out using a single method, spectrophotometry
The study did not investigate the sources of nitrite in drinking water
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on:
Investigating the sources of nitrite in drinking water
Developing more sensitive and accurate methods for analyzing nitrite levels
Conducting regular testing of drinking water samples to ensure that the water is safe for consumption
References
World Health Organization. (2011). Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality.
Minister of Health Regulation No. 492/MENKES/PER/IV/2010.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determining Nitrite Content in Drinking Water Samples
Q: What is nitrite, and why is it a concern in drinking water?
A: Nitrite is a compound that can be formed from pollution or improper processing of drinking water. It has the potential to endanger health by lowering blood pressure and causing other health problems.
Q: What is the recommended limit for nitrite in drinking water?
A: The recommended limit for nitrite in drinking water varies depending on the country and region. In Indonesia, the Minister of Health Regulation No. 492/MENKES/PER/IV/2010 sets a limit of 0.02 mg/L for nitrite in drinking water.
Q: How is nitrite analyzed in drinking water samples?
A: Nitrite is analyzed in drinking water samples using the visible light spectrophotometry method. This method involves measuring the absorbance of light by the nitrite compound at a specific wavelength.
Q: What are the benefits of regular testing of drinking water samples for nitrite?
A: Regular testing of drinking water samples for nitrite helps to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. It also provides useful information for the community and authorities in the supervision of drinking water quality.
Q: What are the sources of nitrite in drinking water?
A: The sources of nitrite in drinking water are not well understood and require further research. However, it is believed that nitrite can be formed from pollution, improper processing, and other factors.
Q: How can the community prevent nitrite contamination in drinking water?
A: The community can prevent nitrite contamination in drinking water by taking steps to prevent pollution, such as proper waste disposal and treatment of wastewater. They can also support regular testing of drinking water samples for nitrite.
Q: What are the health effects of nitrite in drinking water?
A: The health effects of nitrite in drinking water include lowering blood pressure, causing methemoglobinemia, and other health problems.
Q: How can authorities ensure that drinking water is safe for consumption?
A: Authorities can ensure that drinking water is safe for consumption by conducting regular testing of drinking water samples for nitrite and other parameters, and by taking steps to prevent pollution and contamination.
Q: What is the role of the Regional Health Laboratory in determining nitrite content in drinking water samples?
A: The Regional Health Laboratory plays a crucial role in determining nitrite content in drinking water samples by conducting regular testing and analysis of drinking water samples using the spectrophotometry method.
Q: How can the public access information about nitrite content in drinking water samples?
A: The public can access information about nitrite content in drinking water samples by contacting the Regional Health Laboratory or other authorities responsible for supervising drinking water quality.
Q: What are the future research directions for determining nitrite content in drinking water samples?
A: Future research directions for determining nitrite content in drinking water samples include investigating the sources of nitrite in drinking water, developing more sensitive and accurate methods for analyzing nitrite levels, and conducting regular testing of drinking water samples to ensure that the water is safe for consumption.