Physico-chemical properties of water and studies on the concentration levels of some heavy metals in Lake Njuwa, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metals are the major components in water samples collected from Lake Njuwa in Adamawa State, Nigeria was analyzed from four sides of the Lake to ascertain their levels which may make the water not safe for drinking and to suggest some recommendation to Government for further action. Data of water quality is prerequisite to maintaining good health for consumers. Physico-chemical parameters analysed include Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Solids (TS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were also determined. The heavy and non-heavy metals elements concentration determined were Ni, Cd, Fe, Zn, Co, Cr, Mn, Cu, K, and Na respectively. The mean concentrations in µg/l of the heavy metals in water ranges as follows: Ni (0.03 -0.62), Cd (0.04 – 0.50), Fe (10.1- 16.25), Zn (0.40 – 0.043), Co (ND – 0.10), Cr (1.88 – 3.38), Mn (ND – 0.10), Cu (0.15 – 0.40), K (18.5 – 47.5) and Na (16.5 – 48), respectively. The values recorded for Ni, Cd, Fe, Cr, Mn, Cu, K, and Na were higher than permissible limits for heavy metals of drinking water set by WHO /FEPA, but concentrations of Zn and Cu were below the levels recommended by WHO /FEPA, the study implies that the water may not be safe for drinking because of high levels of heavy metals.