EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY OF SELECTED BOREHOLES IN OSO EDDA THROUGH THE ANALYSIS OF SOME HEAVY METALS (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn and Cu)

Abstract

The research examined the concentrations of heavy metals in some selected boreholes in five locations within Oso Edda. The samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results were compared with the World Health Organization (1993) drinking water standard. The concentrations of Pb in location A was 0.067, B 0.025, C 0.001, D 0.052 and E 0.004 mg/l; Cd concentrations in A was 0.017, B 0.012, C 0.007, D 0.005 and E 0.004 mg/l; Cr concentrations were A 0.01, B 0.001, C 0.012, D 0 and E 0.004 mg/l; Zn concentrations were A 0, B 0.028, C 0.006, D 0.003 and E 0.006 mg/l and Cu with concentrations of A 0.004, B 0.007, C 0.001, D 0.003 and E 0.003 mg/l. Lead in Locations A, B, D and E showed concentrations higher than WHO 0.00 mg/l and pose danger to the end users. Cadmium concentrations in all the five locations were higher than that of the WHO drinking water standard and pose no risk. The concentrations of Cr, Zn and Cu were below WHO drinking water standard. It is recommended that a systematic treatment of heavy metal concentrations in water sources in the study area be carried out regularly either through ion exchange or reverse osmosis techniques.