Elemental contaminants in groundwater: A study of trace metals from residential area in the vicinity of an industrial area in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater (well water) from a residential area within the vicinity of an industrial estate in Lagos, Nigeria were sampled and analysed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for their heavy metals content. This was with a view of assessing the quality of the water, which was being used for domestic activities, especially, drinking usually without treatment. Total trace metal determination by mineral acid digestion of water samples was applied. This method proved to be better than an extractive concentration technique in the quality assurance protocols with the recovery range being 90.7 ± 0.006–97.6 ± 0.003%. Mean concentration of trace metals in water samples ranged from Fe: 0.05–0.47 mg l−1; Al: 0.1–1.54 mg l−1; Cu: 0.14–1.39 mg l−1; Zn: 0.04–0.43 mg l−1; Cd: trace–0.02 mg l−1; Pb: trace–0.03 mg l−1, Mn: 0.01–0.18 mg l−1 and Ni: 0.02–0.11 mg l−1. Physical parameters of water samples examined were within the drinking water safety limits except for conductivity. Results generally indicate the presence of heavy metal constituents in groundwater samples. Detection of metals such as cadmium and lead which have serious health implications above WHO and USEPA limits in drinking water gives cause for concern.