COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HEAVY METALS AND ANIONS CONTENTS OF WATER FROM DIFFERENT WATER BODIES IN UNWANA, AFIKPO NORTH L. G. A, EBONYI STATE.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the heavy metals and anions contents of water from different water bodies in Unwana, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. A total of 20 water samples comprising of 10 and 10 from River and Streams were collected from Unwana over a period of 5 months. Samples were analysed for heavy metals and anions using standard scientific procedures. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Results revealed varying ranges in Aluminum (0.02 ± 0.01 - 0.12 ± 0.02 mgL-1), Arsenic (0.02 ± 0.00 - 0.10 ± 0.02 mgL-1), Cadmium (0.02 ± 0.00 - 0.34 ± 0.00 mgL-1), Chromium (0.02 ± 0.01 - 0.08 ± 0.01 mgL-1 ), Copper (0.45 ± 0.00 - 0.62 ± 0.00 mgL-1), Lead (0.12 ± 0.00 - 0.19 ± 0.02 mgL-1), Mercury (0.10 ± 0.02 - 0.35 ± 0.00 mgL-1), Zinc (0.08 ± 0.00 - 1.02 ± 0.00 mgL-1), Chlorides (45.00 ± 0.02 - 192.00 ± 0.08 mgL-1), Nitrates (15.00 ± 0.08 -28.00 ± 0.01 mgL-1), Sulphate (64.00 ± 0.00 – 248.00 ± 0.08 mgL-1) and Phosphates (0.12 ± 0.01 - 18.00 ± 0.04 mgL-1). The results revealed that the heavy metals and anions contents in the water samples were beyond WHO recommended limits indicating potential problem for human and animal health. It is important to monitor the quality of water and strict quality control measures should be strengthened to ensure the effective treatment of drinking water. Educative programmes should be organised by researchers and government agencies to enlighten the villagers on the proper use of water and potential dangers associated with human consumption of contaminated water.