ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN WATER SOURCES WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN COMMUNITY, EKENWAN CAMPUS, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Groundwater or borehole water is an important source of water in African towns and cities, and its quality is paramount to public health. The chemical and physical characteristics are of major importance in determining whether water is suitable for use. This study was aimed at determining the physicochemical properties and the heavy metal analysis of water sources in University of Benin, Ekenwan campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The physicochemical properties and heavy metals concentrations of the water samples were determined using standard methods of A.O.A.C. Most physicochemical parameters were within FEPA limits, although pH and total suspended solids exceeded recommended limits in some samples. The heavy metal result showed that zinc, copper and lead were within FEPA limits except iron and chromium which were above FEPA acceptable limit. Tested parameters such as pH, E.C., T.S.S, TUR, Hardness, Alkalinity, Chloride, Phosphate, Nitrate, Sulphate, Potassium, Iron, Copper, Lead and Cadmium were significantly different (P<0.05) in all the water samples while Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and Chromium were not significantly different (P>0.05). Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment of campus water sources are therefore recommended.
Keyword: Groundwater, Borehole, Heavy metal, Physicochemical
*Correspondence: collins.udinyiwe@uniben.edu, +2348062613143
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