Physico-chemical Quality of Drinking Water in New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assesses the physico-chemical parameters and metal concentrations in drinking water from different sources in New Bussa, Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Triplicate Water samples were collected from 12 sampling points located all over the town including a well, boreholes and water works. Physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, chloride and sulphate) and metal contents (sodium, calcium, magnesium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, iron and zinc) were analyzed using standard methods. Results obtained were compared to World Health Organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) drinking water standards. All other metals were within desirable limits except magnesium (Mg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Mean values for mg were higher than the 0.20 mgL-1 SON maximum limit. Cd was not detected at sampling point 12 but exceeded the WHO and SON limits in all the other sites including the water works. Pb was undetected at some sampling points but was considerably higher than the recommended standard of 0.01 mgL-1 at point 7. The results for Cd and Pb have serious implication on human health since these metals are toxic to all human and animal tissues.