Abstract

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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.

Keywords: Water, Heavy metals, Coagulation and Alum