Scientists tested water from the Neelum River and found it contains harmful heavy metals like lead and cadmium, plus dangerous bacteria that can make people sick. The study checked six different water samples and measured various pollutants. They discovered that the water has unsafe levels of metals and germs that could cause health problems if people drink it or use it without treatment. The researchers warn that the river needs serious cleanup efforts and regular monitoring to protect people’s health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether the Neelum River’s wastewater contains dangerous metals and disease-causing bacteria that could harm people’s health
  • Who participated: Six water samples collected from different locations in the Neelum River in Pakistan
  • Key finding: The water contains unsafe levels of toxic metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium, and iron) and harmful bacteria that exceed safe drinking water standards. The risk of getting sick from bacteria in this water is extremely high—about 100% chance per year for both adults and children if exposed.
  • What it means for you: If you live near the Neelum River, you should not drink untreated water from it. People who use this water for drinking, cooking, or bathing could develop serious health problems. Water treatment is essential before any use.

The Research Details

Researchers collected six water samples from the Neelum River and tested them in a laboratory. They measured basic water properties like pH (how acidic or basic the water is), temperature, and how cloudy it was. They also used special equipment called atomic absorption spectrometry to detect heavy metals—toxic substances like lead and cadmium that can poison people. The scientists grew bacteria from the water samples in special growth mediums to identify what types of germs were present. They then tested these bacteria to see which antibiotics could kill them and calculated the actual health risk if someone drank or touched this water.

This type of testing is important because it tells us exactly what pollutants are in the water and how dangerous they really are. By measuring both the chemicals and the germs, scientists can understand the complete picture of water safety. The risk calculations help predict how many people might get sick, which helps governments decide what cleanup efforts are needed.

The study used standard scientific methods recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). The researchers tested multiple samples from different locations to get a more complete picture. However, the study only tested six samples, which is a relatively small number. The study doesn’t explain how often samples were collected or over what time period, which could affect how well the results represent the overall water quality.

What the Results Show

The water’s basic properties like pH and temperature were within acceptable ranges, but other measurements were concerning. The water was cloudier than safe levels and had too much biological material breaking down in it. Most importantly, five toxic metals were found at dangerous levels: cadmium, nickel, lead, chromium, and iron. These metals were present in amounts that exceed what health organizations consider safe. The pollution index score was extremely high (572.03 at the worst location), indicating severe contamination. The study found that exposure to these metals could cause both cancer and non-cancer health problems in both children and adults through skin contact or swallowing contaminated water. The bacteria found in the water—including Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus species—are known to cause infections. The calculated risk of infection from these bacteria was at the maximum level (1.00 annual risk), meaning essentially everyone exposed would likely get sick within a year. This far exceeds the acceptable safety threshold of 0.0001 (one in ten thousand).

All the bacteria found in the water showed resistance to multiple antibiotics, meaning common medicines wouldn’t work to treat infections from these germs. The only metal that didn’t show dangerous levels was copper. The contamination appeared to be caused by human activities in the area, suggesting that pollution from industry, agriculture, or sewage is the main source of the problem.

This study confirms what other research has shown about river contamination in South Asia—that industrial and agricultural activities create serious water pollution problems. The types of bacteria found and the heavy metals detected are similar to what scientists have found in other polluted rivers in the region. The high antibiotic resistance in the bacteria is also consistent with global trends showing that bacteria are becoming harder to treat with medicines.

The study only tested six water samples, which is a small number for drawing broad conclusions. We don’t know if the samples were collected at the same time or over different seasons, which could affect results. The study doesn’t explain how the water samples were stored or transported, which could change what bacteria are found. The research doesn’t provide information about how far downstream the contamination extends or whether it changes with seasons. Without knowing the exact locations where samples were taken, it’s hard to know which communities are most at risk.

The Bottom Line

Strong recommendation: Do not drink untreated water from the Neelum River. If you must use river water, it should be boiled for at least one minute and filtered through a fine filter before drinking. People living near the river should use bottled water or properly treated tap water. Communities should advocate for water treatment facilities and regular water quality monitoring. Moderate recommendation: Limit skin contact with river water when possible, as the heavy metals can be absorbed through the skin.

This research is most important for people living near the Neelum River in Pakistan, especially children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems who are more vulnerable to infections. Farmers who use river water for irrigation should know that crops could absorb these metals. Local government officials and water utility companies need this information to plan treatment systems. Anyone considering swimming or fishing in the river should be aware of the risks.

Health effects from heavy metal exposure can take months to years to appear, but bacterial infections can cause illness within hours to days of exposure. Long-term exposure to the metals in this water could cause serious diseases like cancer or organ damage over years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you live near the Neelum River, track your water source daily (bottled, tap, or river) and note any symptoms like stomach problems, skin rashes, or infections. Log these in your health app to identify patterns.
  • Switch to using bottled water or boiled-and-filtered water for drinking and cooking. Set a daily reminder to boil water if that’s your treatment method. Track how many days per week you successfully avoid untreated river water.
  • Monitor local water quality reports if your community provides them. Keep a record of any health symptoms in your household that might be related to water exposure. Share this information with your doctor, especially if symptoms persist.

This research describes serious water contamination in the Neelum River and should not be ignored. However, this study was conducted on specific samples from specific locations and times. Your personal risk depends on where you live, how you use the water, and your individual health. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have symptoms of infection or suspect heavy metal poisoning, consult a healthcare provider immediately. For questions about your local water safety, contact your local water authority or health department. Do not rely solely on this research for medical decisions—always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation.