Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentrations in the Surface Water of Bompai-Jakara Drainage Basin, Kano State, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This work aimed at assessing the concentrations of heavy metals in the surface water of Bompai-Jakara drainage basin. The points of sampling were designated as A, B, C, D, E, and F. Acid-washed (1L) plastic bottles were used in collecting the water samples, which were then digested using nitric acid (HNO₃). The digested samples were analyzed for Fe, Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Model IL250). The seasonal sequence of heavy metals concentrations showed Zn>Fe>Cr>Cu>Pb and Fe>Zn>Cr>Cu>Pb in dry and wet seasons respectively, while that of annual was Cr>Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb. The results showed that all of the five elements analyzed have concentrations well above the FEPA, WHO, AWWA, CCME standard limit for effluents discharge into surface. There was an observed seasonal variations in which dry season had a relatively higher heavy metals concentration, but not statistically significant at P≤0.05. This study underscores the need for the government to establish water catchments management agency for the purpose of protecting the basin ecologically and health wise, bearing in mind the socio-economic potentialities the basin has on the populace utilizing it and the nation in general.