Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in the Surface Water from Thomas Dam, Kano State, Nigeria

Authors: Butu AW, Bello MI, Atere PM, Emeribe CN

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to assess the level of heavy metals concentrations in the Thomas Dam, which is a recipient of wastes from agricultural, residential and industrial land uses. Six Heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pd, Zn, Ni and Cu) were selected for the study primarily due to their chronic health effects on the public well-being. Samples were collected at three points, namely stations A, B and C, across the Dam during the rainy season (from August to October, 2018) and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures followed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results obtained showed that all the metals selected for this study were present in the water samples. However, Cr mean level was highest (1.51 mg/l), while Cu had the least mean concentrations (0.484 mg/l). Pb, Cd and Zn levels were also very high in concentrations with mean values of 0.066 mg/l, 0.173 mg/l and 0.762 mg/l respectively. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the heavy metal concentrations between the three sampling points, an indication of spatial spread of contamination. Although Zn and Cu were below permissible limits for drinking water and safety levels for fish, efforts should be made to ensure that these element and other heavy metals are regularly monitored as well as activities leading to their presence in water and fish. This can be done through regular surveillance in order to detect changes in water quality of the dam and regulating of land uses within the reservoir which influence the introduction of contaminants into the river.

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