Lead Concentration in Rain Water Used for Drinking in the Area Surrounding Bangkok

Abstract

Lead concentrations in jar water, originating from rain and used for drinking, were measured in 1990 in some of the villages surrounding Bangkok, Thailand. There were differences in lead concentrations among the villages: the values were 2.32, 1.38, 1.05 and 3.48 μg/liter in Maptaphut, Rai-Noong, Leam-Chabang and Rangsit-Pathumtani, respectively. As to direct health effects, these lead levels in the water were acceptably low at that point in time in 1990 when the study was conducted. The lead concentration in rain water was considered to be an appropriate indicator representing environmental quality under rapid industrialization. Considering that further advancement of industrialization and urbanization is expected in these areas in the near future, periodic measurement is needed for longitudinal environmental monitoring. The values presented herein can be used as background data before extensive urbanization.

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