Selected Trace Heavy Metals Concentrations in Well and Borehole Water in Aliero Metropolis

Abstract

Human activities had been the major causes of water pollution, and the presence of heavy metals could be an indicator that water bodies are polluted. This research examined the concentration of heavy metals in well and bore hole water from three different areas (Bodiga, Labana farm and Kalli) in Aliero town. The analysis was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The concentrations of the metals in sample A (Bodiga area) are in the order Fe 1.638±0.0011 > Mn 0.172±0.0002ppm > Pb 0.113±0.0001ppm > Cu 0.081±0.0006ppm > Ni 0.001±0.0002ppm, and the concentration in sample B (Labana farm bore hole water) is in order of Fe 1.260±0.0016ppm > Pb 0.234±0.0002ppm> Mn 0.100±0.0001ppm > Cu 0.060±0.0002ppm. And in sample C (Kalli well water) the concentration of metals is in order Fe 1.973±0.0011 > Pb 0.323±0.0002 > Mn 0.186±0.0003ppm > Cu 0.101±0.0003ppm > Ni 0.012±0.0003ppm.The concentrations of Fe and Pb in all the three sources of water was found to be above the WHO standards while copper, nickel, and manganese were found to be below the maximum limit of WHO standards. The inhabitants who used the water for both consumption and domestic purposes should be enlightened on the toxicological effects of these heavy metals to human health, plants and animals. There is therefore the need for proper monitoring of the water by the agency's concern.