Indian Journal of Science and Technology
DOI: 10.17485/ijst/2011/v4i7.6
Year: 2011, Volume: 4, Issue: 7, Pages: 820-823
Original Article
H. Ayedun1* , A. M. Taiwo2 , B. F. Umar1 , O. A. Oseni3 and A. A. Oderinde1
1Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, PMB 50, Ilaro Ogun State, Nigeria
2Dept. of Environ. Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
3Dept. of Science Laboratory Technology, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
[email protected]
A study was carried out to assess groundwater contamination by toxic metals in Ifo community of Ogun state, Nigeria. Twenty two wells were sampled in this regard and analyzed for pH, temperature, redox potential (RP), alkalinity, salinity, toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) using standard procedures. High trace metal concentrations were observed in most of the well water samples. Results showed that 50 % of the wells recorded values greater than WHO standard for Fe (0.06-0.59 mg/L), 41 % have Cd (0.000-0.010 mg/L) level higher than WHO standard while 82 % recorded high Pb (0.00-0.23 mg/L) levels greater than WHO standard in drinking water. Zinc values of the well water samples were generally low. The high values of Cd and Pb in most of the groundwater samples is harmful to human health and calls for necessary cautions by the public before consuming the water. The study therefore, recommends proper purification methods that will remove the toxic metals and further minimize their nefarious ill-effects on humans.
Keywords: Groundwater, trace metals, parameters, standard, contamination.
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