Water quality assessment using heavy metal indicators in Aghoro Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, Chemical analysis for Fe, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Zn was carried out on water samples collected from various location points in Aghoro Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The analyses were done to determine the environmental status and portability of the water in the area for drinking and domestic uses, with reference to WHO standard. Eight (8) water samples were collected from stream channels, hand dug wells and boreholes located across Aghoro Community and analyzed for heavy metals. The analytical results indicate the following ranges of concentrations for the heavy metals; Fe (1.17±0.07–3.37±0.12mg/l), Cu (0.02±0.00 - 0.05±0.01mg/l) Ni (0.06±0.01-0.17±0.01mg/l), Pb (0.02± 0.00-0.06± 0.00mg/l) and Zn (0.12±0.01-0.16±0.07mg/l). When compared with standards recommended by the various regulatory bodies most of the values, particularly the water samples from the hand/manual operated boreholes showed very high levels of heavy metals as most values were above WHO permissible limits. Hence there is a need for holistic and sustainable monitoring and treatment of water before drinking in the area.