Assessment of heavy metals and physico-chemical parameters in water from Kpata River, Lokoja, Nigeria

Abstract

Water as a universal solvent has the capability to dissolve many substances including organic and inorganic compounds. This study was aimed at assessing the levels of some heavy metals (Iron, Manganese, Zinc and Nickel) and some physicochemical parameters of the river water, namely: temperature, pH, conductivity, nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total dissolved solids (TDS). Temperature, pH, Conductivity and TDS were measured onsite using field instruments. The nitrate and biochemical oxygen demand were measured in the Laboratory following the standard procedures. Heavy metal composition of the river water was also studied using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Data obtained were subjected (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (ANOVA) statistics. Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.0 portable was used. Results of physico-chemical analysis revealed that values were within acceptable limit set by World Health Organization. Results of the heavy metal analysis showed that iron, manganese and nickel were above acceptable limit of drinking water set by World Health Organization. The accumulation of these pollutants poses a dangerous threat to both aquatic and human lives.