Investigation for heavy metals in river waters in the federal capital territory, North Central of Nigeria

Abstract

Water is a universal solvent that has the ability to dissolve any compound. It is of great importance to the existence of mankind, as it serves as a means of drinking, clean energy, irrigation, recreation, livestock farming and many more. However, Human activities such as industrialization and the improper waste management around water body introduce toxic metallic substances which could have great effect on human health and aquatic life when in high concentration (above standard). Hence, this study was carried out to determine the level of pollution of the river waters in and around Abuja city as rapid emerging city in Nigeria and to detect the concentration of ten (10) heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Mg), respectively. The four water samples were collected along rivers at different points and analyzed at the Chemistry Advanced Laboratory, Sheda Technology and Generation complex, Abuja. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to detect the concentration of heavy metals in the water samples. The results indicated the low level concentration in Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and Mn when compared with the World Health Organization standard. The maximum desirable concentration specified for Ni and Cr by World Health Organization is exceeded in the river waters, while Mg is very low comparable with World Health Organization standard. This study shows that the river waters are not suitable for human consumption and hence recommended that microbiological investigation should be carried out on the river waters as soon as possible to save both lives and aquatic livings.