Groundwater quality and public health risks in rural North Eastern Romania: An in-situ assessment and comparative analysis

Authors

  • Gabriel-Ionuț Plavan "Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Biology, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iași, Romania
  • Oana-Alexandra Plavan “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Prof. D. Mangeron Blvd., No. 73, 700050 Iași, Romania
  • Bojan Đurin University North, Department of Civil Engineering, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
  • Oana Mare Rosca Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Science, 76 Victoriei Street, 430122, Baia Mare, Romania
  • Fehmi Boufahja Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l’Environnement, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia
  • Osman Fetoshi UBT-Higher Education Institution, Food Science and Biotechnology, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
  • Alexandru-Iulian Crăciun SC Realitis SA, 5 Stefan Cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard, No. 5, 700064, Iasi, Romania
  • Mircea Nicoară ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Biology, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iași, Romania
  • Stefan-Adrian Strungaru ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Biology, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iași, Romania
  • Viorica Rarinca Apollonia University, Pacurari Street 11, 700511 Iași, Romania; “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Doctoral School of Geosciences, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iași, Romania
  • Octavian Pacioglu Research and Development Institute for Wildlife and Mountain Resources, 37B Progresului street, 530240, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60923/issn.2281-4485/23137

Keywords:

groundwater, drinking water quality, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, wells water analysis, physicochemical contaminants

Abstract

The current study assessed the physicochemical quality of groundwater from wells in a rural region of northeastern Romania, where local communities depend exclusively on this resource for drinking water. Eighty wells were analyzed in situ for total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, salinity, con-ductivity, redox potential (ORP), and pH. For comparative purposes, similar measurements were conducted on urban water supplies in the cities of Iași and Botoșani, as well as on 14 commercial bottled water brands. The findings revealed critical water quality issues in rural wells, including frequent exceedances of microbiological and chemical thresholds, particularly for nitrates and coliform bacteria. Spatial mapping showed strong variation across parameters, with elevated salinity and low oxygenation most prominent in lowland areas. Bottled water analysis showed a wide range of mineral compositions, influencing their appropriateness for daily consumption. Still waters such as Aqua Carpatica Still and Wonder Still displayed low sodium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations, making them suitable for specific dietary needs. In contrast, highly mineralized waters like Aqua Carpatica Sparkling exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits for TDS and salinity. The study also highlighted the insufficient monitoring by local authorities and the lack of comprehensive labelling on bottled water, both of which hinder informed decision-making by consumers. The results emphasize the urgent need for standardized groundwater surveillance, public health initiatives, and improved transparency in bottled water labelling. These findings provide a foundation for future policy actions targeting safe and equitable access to drinking water in rural communities.

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Published

2026-03-19

How to Cite

Plavan, G.-I., Plavan, O.-A., Đurin, B., Rosca, O. M., Boufahja, F., Fetoshi, O., … Pacioglu, O. (2026). Groundwater quality and public health risks in rural North Eastern Romania: An in-situ assessment and comparative analysis. EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, 73, 13–26. https://doi.org/10.60923/issn.2281-4485/23137

Issue

Vol. 73 (2026)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Gabriel-Ionuț Plavan, Oana-Alexandra Plavan, Bojan Đurin, Oana Mare Rosca, Fehmi Boufahja, Osman Fetoshi, Alexandru-Iulian Crăciun, Mircea Nicoară, Stefan-Adrian Strungaru, Viorica Rarinca, Octavian Pacioglu

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