Appraisement of Some Heavy Metals in Kuru Dam, Jos South L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the concentrations of selected heavy metals at Kuru Dam. The result obtained shows that Fe ranged from 0.05- 0.55ppm, As 0.13-0.18ppm, Cu 0.06-0.36ppm, Pb 0.08 -0.46, Cd 0.01-0.02ppm, while Zn 0.01-0.01ppm. The results were compared with, FAO and NESREA standards. The data revealed that Fe, Zn, Cu and Cd concentration levels were found to be less than permissible limit concentration levels of while Cd, Pb, and As in water samples were beyond acceptable limit. Excess Cd could lead to kidney damage, respiratory problems, increased risk of lung cancer, and bone diseases; high concentration of Lead could cause cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, developmental issues in children, while overexposure to Arsenic may cause skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and induce developmental abnormalities in children, accordingly. More so, excess levels of cadmium, lead, and arsenic have extensive implications for human health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic aspects in the study area.