THE ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF WATER RESOURCES IN NORTHERN THAILAND: TOWARDS SAFE DRINKING-WATER ACCESS FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
The main aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the drinking-water resources in Northern Thailand. To achieve this, several case studies using key water quality parameters, particularly those that may be hazardous to human health when ingested, were presented in this thesis. These water quality parameters are (in the order which they are presented): (i) faecal indicators i.e. E. coli, Enterococcus, nitrate; (ii) waterborne pathogens i.e. Giardia and Cryptosporidium and (iii) fluoride. These parameters were critically analysed and discussed in terms of their prevalence, origins and the modes in which they are transported into the drinking-water resources. Finally, the challenges of water resource management and recommendations for improvement were highlighted.
water, sanitation, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, fluoride, Thailand
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