Physicochemical and Heavy Metals Analysis of Water from Different Sources in Usen, Edo State, Nigeria.

The study investigated the physicochemical properties and heavy metal contents of water samples from three major  sources; river (sample A), borehole (sample B), and well (sample C), in Usen using standard procedures. The heavy metal  content was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The results obtained were compared to permissible limits  based on WHO standard. The pH of the water samples ranged from 6.80 to 7.00. The nitrate content varied from 2.30 to  2.40 mg/L, which was lower than the maximum limit of 10 mg/L. The conductivity was from 36.52 to 64.61 us/cm.  Copper was not detected in all the water sources investigated. There was significant difference in the contents of other  metals investigated. The concentration of other metals ranged from 1.84 – 9.12, 0.002 – 0.035, 0.001 – 0.061, 0.074 –  0.263, and 0.055 – 0.243 mg/kg for iron, cadmium, lead, zinc and manganese respectively. The metal contents were in the    order:  Fe> Zn> Mn> Pb > Cd > Cu. The results of this study also revealed that the water samples under study are  contaminated by heavy metals and therefore unfit for human consumption. Thus, it becomes very important to treat these  waters to make it safe for the populace.