Analysis of Some Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Sources of Effa Communities of Ugbokolo Town, Benue South, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was to evaluate the level of heavy metals in the drinking water sources of Effa communities and its pollution load index. Water samples were collected from three surface running waters and a borehole around the area. The analysisfor heavy metal was conducted using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy. The results of heavy metals concentrations from the waters samples in the area were 0.67 mg/L, 5.75 mg/L, 8.88 mg/L, 0.53 mg/L, 16.87 mg/L, 17.58 mg/L, 9.25 mg/L and 5.11 mg/L for As, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe and Cu respectively. These values were higher than the guideline for drinking water according to World Health Organization. The trend of the average concentrations of the heavy metals follows the order of Mn> Cr > Fe > Pb > Zn > Cu > As > Cd. The pollution indices such as Contamination factor (CF), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Pollution load index (PLI) was determined. The results indicated that the water samples of the studied area were moderately polluted with heavy metals. The correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlation of metals in water. The concentration of heavy metal indicated that the study area does pose health risk to the communities. Hence, the attention of relevant Authorities should be drawn to take
necessary action in providing safe drinking water for the communities to prevent outbreak of incurable diseases. The study recommends assessments of heavy metals other than those determined and conduct a physiochemical analysis of water sources in the communities.