The Studies on Water Quality for Cobalt and Manganese Content in Drinking Water of Multan Area, Southern Punjab, Pakistan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract The trace elements, cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn) were determined in the drinking water of Multan city and areas in its vicinity. For this purpose, ten water samples were collected from various points within a circle of one kilometer radius, each time around seven disposal units. Water samples were stored in sealed glass flasks at room temperature. The quality of these water samples was compared with reference samples collected from various far off places which were not affected by any disposal unit. Analysis for Co and Mn was carried out using Flame-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The highest concentration of Co (0.31 ppm) was found in New Multan disposal area, while highest concentration of Mn (0.45 ppm) was noted in Suraj Miani disposal area. The contents of Co and Mn metals in most of the points are found to be greater than permissible limits of WHO guide lines for drinking water.