DETERMINATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS FROM VARIOUS WATER SOURCES IN KADUNA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The study assessed the concentrations of trace elements from various water samples collected from groundwater (hand- dug wells), surface water (streams and rivers) and public tap water in the study area. Trace elements in water samples were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass- Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Elemental concentrations in the water samples were compared with WHO guidelines and Nigerian standards. Trace elements (Arsenic, Molybdenum, Selenium, Chromium, Copper& Lead) concentrations were found to be generally below the guideline limits of the regulatory bodies with the exception of some elements which were raised at various sampling sites in the industrial areas (Manganese near textile industries; Nickel near vehicle assembly plant) whilst Copper& Zinc were higher in tap water, probably due to pipe aging.. Other than these, tap water sources had the least concentrations perhaps due to water treatment. Generally, trace elements were found in groundwater sources in residential and commercial areas and surface water sources in industrial and refinery areas

Keywords: Trace Elements, Groundwater, Surface Water and Tap Water Sources, WHO Guidelines, Nigerian Standards, Kaduna Metropolis.