Author(s) :

Aboshio, N., Dan’azumi, S..

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The study analyzed the level of heavy metals pollution from industrial effluents on River Kaduna within Kaduna metropolis in Northern Nigeria. River Kaduna is used for many purposes including irrigation, fishing and water supply. Sampling was conducted in December and February. Wastewater samples at the point of discharge into the river were collected and analyzed. The range of temperature, conductivity, pH, DO, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cr, and Pb in December along River Kaduna at different sampling points were 26ºC, 120.1-480.6 μS/cm, 6.4-6.9, 2.92-8.64, 0.0020-0.0266, 0.11-6.28, 1.54-1.60, 0.33-0.34 and 0.0316-0.1225 mg/l respectively. Similarly, the range of temperature, conductivity, pH, DO, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cr, and Pb in February along the river at different sampling points were 26-27ºC, 100.8-322.0 μS/cm, 8.74-9.61, 6.0-7.64, 0.0011-0.0289, 0.12-3.28, 1.47-1.48, 0.31-0.35 and 0.0489-0.1606 mg/l respectively. It was observed that the level of heavy metals Zn, Cr and Pb in the Kaduna River have exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) given by the National Environmental Standard and Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and WHO for irrigation and drinking purposes. However, the level of Cd and Fe are within the MPL given by NESREA and WHO. Also there is no significant variation in the discharge of these pollutants between December 2012 and February 2013. As the treatment given to the raw water is the conventional water treatment, there is tendency of these pollutants to persist in water and its uptake may cause long term health problems.

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