November 2014 Vol.2 No.8

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Original Research Article

An assessment of the heavy metal status of River Galma around Dakace industrial layout, Zaria, Nigeria

^*Udiba U. U., Gauje Balli, Ashade N. O., Ade-Ajayi F.A., Okezie V. C., Aji B. M. and Agboun T. D. T.

Environmental Technology Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, (NARICT), Zaria, Nigeria

^*Corresponding Author’s Email: Udiba.udiba@yahoo.com

Accepted November 11, 2014

Abstract

The concentrations of some heavy metals were determined in surface water from River Galma to evaluate the influence of effluents from Dakace industrial layout, Zaria on the water quality of the river. Four sampling stations were established, with sampling station 1 (control) upstream before effluent discharged points from the industrial layout. Cadmium (Cd) Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr) and Cobalt (Co) concentrations were analyzed using Schimadzu atomic absorption spectrophotometer (model AA-6800, Japan) after wet digestion. The range of concentrations (mg/l) of each metal was Cd (0.00-0.076), Cr (0.04-0.42), Mn (0.01-2.00) and Co (0.10-1.83). The heavy metals concentrations determined were found to be above World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). They were also above the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council’s guidelines for irrigation waters. Statistical analysis shows that effluents discharged into the river from Dakace industrial estate had no significant influence on the overall Cadmium, chromium, manganese and cobalt contents of the River. The implications of these findings for public health are fully discussed.

Keywords: Dakace, Heavy metals, public health, River Galma, surface water