Reimagining water quality assessment: a nutritional indexing perspective for drinking water resources management
Johnson C. Agbasi, Ahmad Alkasimi, Ahmad F. Turki, Sani I. Abba, Mohd Yawar Ali Khan, Johnbosco C. Egbueri
Abstract
The interdisciplinary nature of water research provides an edge for the development of novel analytical tools and methods in comparison to other fields. This research utilised a new framework for water resources management, which considers the benefits of key nutrients that play important roles in environmental systems as well as human health, shifting away from the conventional focus. Four important nutrients were evaluated: sodium (Na+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca+), and zinc (Zn2+). Afterwards, the Drinking Water Nutritional Quality Index (DWNQI) was developed, and the findings were integrated with region-specific geoscience data to provide actionable insights for water resources management and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The average concentrations of the analysed ions were Na+ (15.55 mg/L), Mg2+ (1.19 mg/L), Ca2+ (7.10 mg/L), and Zn2+ (0.10 mg/L). With no samples in the ‘excellent’ to ‘fair’ category, alongside low to moderate contributions to recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), the DWNQI indicated predominance of poor nutritional drinking water quality. Upon the elimination of individual nutrients, Mg2+ and Na+ were found to have the most positive and negative influence on the regional DWNQI rating. Given the observed low concentrations of essential minerals, this study recommends targeted interventions such as localised supplementation programmes to address potential micronutrient deficiencies within the population. The developed framework offers a transferable approach to water resources management, contributing to global efforts in achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by addressing critical intersections between environmental systems and human nutritional requirements.