Levels of Some Heavy Metals in Borehole Waters of Birnin Kebbi Metropolis, Nigeria
J. I. Bungudu *
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, P.M.B. 1157, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
L. Shuaibu
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, P.M.B. 1157, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The levels of Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) were determined in six different samples of Borehole waters obtained from six designated areas of Birnin Kebbi metropolis, Nigeria using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentrations of the heavy metals ranged from 0.0005 mg/L Cr to 0.2108 mg/L Fe. The relative abundance of the metals in Borehole waters followed the sequence of Fe (0.1769 mg/L)> Cr (0.0342 mg/L)> Cu (0.0298 mg/L)> Zn (0.0052 mg/L). The levels of Cr and other metals were found below the SON/WHO recommended safe limits for metals in water. The low concentration of Cr and absence of Pb in all the samples examined are indications that these Borehole waters contribute fewer toxic effects of metals. The pH values of the water samples were far below the recommended values by the SON/WHO and these could be adjusted through pH correction.
Keywords: Heavy metals, borehole waters, Birnin Kebbi metropolis, spectrophotometry, contamination level