Determination of heavy metal concentration in sachet water sold in Gombe Metropolis

Abstract

Background : Water is a very essential constituent of life, and the availability of good quality water is an indispensable feature for preventing diseases and improving quality life.

Objective: The study was conducted to ascertain the wholesomeness in terms of presence and concentration of heavy metals in sachet water sold in Gombe metropolis.

Methodology: A total of 20 brands of sachet water were randomly selected from 25 brands sold in Gombe. These were obtained from water vendors in the markets and motor parks in Gombe town. Physico-chemical analysis was conducted on the collected water samples, and data analysed using SPSS 13.

Results: The heavy metal concentration in sachet water studied revealed that, all samples were within World health organisation (WHO) standard. Iron concentration ranged from (0.00- 0.29mg/l), Zinc and chromium ranged from 0.001-1.40 and 0.00- 0.04mg/l respectively. Similarly concentration for lead, copper and magnesium were 0.00-0.04mg/l, 0.00-0.05mg/l and 2.00- 3.40mg/l respectively. However, manganese and chloride concentration ranges from 0.00-0.06mg/l and 11.5-16.32mg/l. the colour, taste, odour and alkalinity were all within the standards of WHO.

Conclusion: The physico-chemical parameters analyzed and the heavy metals concentration in the sachet water sampled in Gombe had values within the acceptable limits as prescribed by WHO standards for quality of drinking water. The study provides guidance to help water processors in collaboration with public health authorities to identify those chemicals that are likely to be present in water sold which may present potential public health risk on a long term exposure.