Analysis of selected heavy metals and physicochemical properties of irrigation water and soil from Warwade Dam, Dutse LGA, Jigawa State

Abstract

This research examines the physicochemical characteristics and concentrations of selected heavy metals in irrigation water and soil from Warwade Dam, Dutse LGA, Jigawa State. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines are used in this research to compare the results obtained to assess if the water is suitable for agricultural use, given the significance of water quality for soils, crops, and the environment. According to the analysis, all the farms had mildly acidic pH values, with Farm A having the least acidic readings. While manganese (Mn) was noticeably high in Farm B, elevated amounts of lead (Pb) was identified in Farms A and C, surpassing the WHO allowable limits. The suggested threshold for cobalt (Co) concentration was not exceeded. The variations in temperature, turbidity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) among the samples indicate the impact of both man-made activities and natural processes. High concentrations of Pb and Mn can be harmful to health, which emphasizes the need for routine testing and efficient water treatment techniques to protect the environment and the general public's health. These results of this study highlight how urgently pollution control measures must be put in place to save the environment and maintain the region's agricultural output.