Performance Evaluation of Point-Of-Use Drinking Water Treatment Units in Removal of Heavy Metals and Dissolved Solids from Drinking Water Supply in Tabriz

Application of point-of-use (POU) drinking water treatment units is expanding across the world due to the increased concerns about the adverse health effects of water pollution. The main treatment systems of these devices are mostly activated carbon and nano-filter or reverse osmosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using POU units on physical and chemical characteristics of water supply by people of Tabriz. The results were compared with national drinking water standards of Iran. A total of 60 samples were collected from 30 devices and analyzed for physical and chemical parameters especially heavy metals. According to the findings, the physical and chemical parameters of the treated water were acceptable. Concentration of Pb was significantly higher than standards in the input water and effluent obtained from units. Although drinking water plays an indirect role in providing minerals for the body, consumers of these devices should be made aware of the reduced intake of minerals through drinking water. Considering the efficiency of household POU drinking water treatment units to reduce heavy metals that have health effects on humans, adequate supervision should be performed on the supply of standard and suitable products in the market.