Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Concentration in Hand-dug Wells within the Vicinity of Lead Smelting Area in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Public and environmental health agencies are particularly tasked with monitoring of different water sources; Hence, the objective of this study was to assess physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentration in hand dug well around lead smelting areas in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria Using appropriate standard methods. The results showed that none of the water samples' electrical conductivity (EC) values were within the WHO range (1000 µS/cm). Only 10% of the water samples' TDS are within the WHO recommended range (600 mg/l). 30% of the water samples have water hardness levels that are within the WHO recommended range (100 mg/l).  All of the water samples' chloride ion (Cl^-) concentrations did not meet the WHO standard of 250 mg/l. Sample H has unusually high levels of Zn and Pb, and 40% of the samples also included Mn and Fe. The samples' high concentrations of physiochemical and heavy metals in some of the well water can have significant health repercussions, and can also give water a disagreeable taste and render it unsafe for home use.