For the water samples, total dissolved solids (TDS – Mn and Fe) as well as
copper concentrations were detected from the pool (old quarry) adjacent to the river
in low quantities (2.81, 0.52 and 0.009 mg/l respectively). Copper concentrations in
water samples were well below the prescribed WHO and Dutch standards.
None of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in the samples
as PCBs dissolve poorly in water and the river flow was rapid. However, their
presence in the environment cannot be ruled out due to the manifestation of clinical
abnormalities e.g., irritation of the nose and lungs, gastrointestinal discomfort,
depression, fatigue and skin ailments among the children.