Studies on contamination of surface waters of river Benue with trace elements at Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The concentration of trace metals were determined in the world of waters River Benue within Makurdi Metropolitan area using atomic absorption spectrophotometer for two seasons. The mean concentration of the heavy metals Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd and Al obtained in mg/L were 0.42, 0.39, 0.35, 1.58, 0.19 and 0.04 respectively. There was no significant difference in the concentration of heavy metals across the studied stations (P>0.05). However, during the seasons there was significant difference in the concentration of heavy metals (P<0.05). The mean values of the heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd and Al) in the waters of River Benue were above the drinking water quality standard set by WHO except for Cu. There is clear evidence that River Benue within Makurdi is polluted with heavy metals and there is need to monitor the River regularly by the regulatory authority. The waters of River Benue should not be consumed without adequate treatment. Key words: Trace metals, River Benue, contamination.