Levels of Some Selected Heavy Metals in Groundwater in Ebubu Community, Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the level of the presence of some selected heavy metals in borehole-drinking water of Ebubu community in Eleme between June and August. Water samples were collected from ten (10) functional boreholes using standard techniques. The levels of the heavy metals in the study area were found to be in the order: cadmium (0.361±0.381 mg/L), > lead (0.117±0.056 mg/L) > nickel (0.042±0.0281 mg/L) > cobalt (0.010±0.009 mg/L) in the water samples. These values were above the WHO and NIS limits. The water quality parameters varied across the sampling periods (June and August); apart from Cd whose mean value was higher during the month of June, but lower during the month of August, all other toxic metals (Ni, Pb, and Co). The groundwater from the community is therefore, unsafe for drinking purpose due to elevated levels of toxic metals. In light of these findings, periodic analysis of samples from boreholes is inevitable. Such analysis will reveal pollution status of groundwater in this area and to determine the best method for water treatment, to intimate consumers and other users of the groundwater, and also to safeguard their health against the subsequent impact that may arise from drinking polluted water