Some Physicochemical Parameters of Keana Salt Lake and Domestic Water Sources in the Salt Lake Community, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Concerns have been raised on levels of some physicochemical parameters in Salt Lake water systems all over the world. In a developing country like Nigeria, Salt Lakes are pertinent domestic water sources in communities where they are found. This study examined the levels of selected physicochemical parameters (Chlorine, pH, Temperature, Total dissolved solids, Electrical conductivity, Total alkalinity, Total hardness, Nitrate, Sulphate and Phosphate) in water samples collected from Keana Salt Lake Nasarawa State, Nigeria and drinking water sources around the Salt Lake, in order to compare them with permissible limits. Water samples were collected in triplicates from five locations (two surface and three underground water sources) and analyzed using standard methods. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine significant differences in concentration (p≤ 0.05) based on sample location. The results are presented as Mean ±standard error values. Results show that Mean concentration levels of TDS and electrical conductivity were above WHO limits in the surface water samples. Chlorine, temperature, alkalinity, total hardness, Nitrate, Sulphate and Phosphate were all within their respective WHO permissible limits. Correlation analyses show that electrical conductivity, Nitrate and TDS were the variable significantly positively correlated among the physicochemical parameters examined in the study. On that note, the study recommends carrying out further research on heavy metals and microbial concentrations of water sources around Keana Salt Lake.