Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater of Ado-Ekiti Area, Southwestern Nigeria

Authors

  • A. O. Talabi

Abstract

This study evaluated the concentrations of some heavy metals in groundwater at Ado-Ekiti Area, southwestern Nigeria, to determine their potability and establish their health implications. A total of twenty two groundwater samples were collected and analyzed at the Central Research Laboratory of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results of the analysis revealed that only Cd with concentrations that ranged from 0.15 – 0.58mg/L occurred in concentrations (>3µg/L) above approved standard for drinking water. The remaining heavy metals concentrations (mg/L) ((Fe (0.02 – 2.08), Mn (0.01 – 0.25), Cu (0.02 – 0.16), Zn (0.02 – 0.82), Pb (0.02), Co (0.01 – 0.09) and Cr 0.03 – 0.21)) seem to not cause any serious threat to humans’ health. The extensive open waste dump at Ilokun village has impacted the concentrations of metals in groundwater of the study area as indicated in Fe, Cu and Cd concentrations. Literature search revealed very scanty researches on heavy metals of the study area. Excess Cd in water can result into kidneys, liver and lungs damage. This present study calls for further detail hydrochemical evaluation of heavy metals in water of the area at a closer sampling space and extensive coverage. Additionally, research towards any relationship between cadmium concentrations in water of the area and cadmium related diseases should be investigated.Key words: Groundwater samples, analysis, humans’ health, waste dump, kidneys, sampling space

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Published

2020-08-12

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2020)

Section

Articles

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