ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES OF WATER IN ZONE C OF YOBE STATE

¹Katuzu, M.I, ²Abdullahi, H.I and ³Ladi, L.

ABSTRACT

Water is one of the most important and most precious natural resources, it is essential in the life of all living organisms, plant and microorganisms. It is significant due to its unique chemical and physical properties. Access to safe drinking water is a key to a sustainable development, quality health and essential to food production. Within the scope of this research water sample (Tap, handpump & well water) were collected for assessing the heavy metal content, from the seven Local Government area of zone C of Yobe state, Nigeria. The elemental parameters, Copper, Cobalt, Nikel, Cadmium Arsenic and Lead were examined using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The result obtained were compared with the standard values as given by WHO and NAFDAC. The result obtained for the heavy metels, shows the concentration of Copper are within the limit in all the samples within the zone, for Ni, As and Cd are within the limit and above in Cobalt and Lead in two Local Governments i.e Karasuwa and Yusufari. However, for Bade, Machina, Nguru and Jakusko samples have higher concentration of Cobalt, Nikel, Cadmium Arsenic and Lead when compare with standard as given by WHO and NAFDAC. There is need for construction of water treatment plants within the zone to treat the water for portable uses.

Keywords: Water, Treatment, Elemental, Parameters, Concentration, Chemical.