samples collected

pb zn

health risk

cu zn

trace elements

groundwater

contamination

chemical pollution

quality index

Physical Sciences Reviews

The contamination of water sources as a result of man’s activities is of concern because of its potential impact on the health of humans. Samples of groundwater were collected from four households within metropolitan Lagos between the months of April and August, 2019. The samples were analyzed for cadmium, calcium, iron, lead, manganese and zinc using atomic absorption spectrometry. Structured questionnaire was administered to the residents in households where the water samples were collected. Results obtained were compared with global background values and WHO guidelines for drinking water. The pH values ranged from 5.16 ± 0.26 to 5.29 ± 0.44, whereas, the control pH values were within the WHO guidelines of 6.5–8.5. The concentrations (mg/L) ranged from 2.04 ± 1.01–23.48 ± 8.81 (calcium); 3.35 ± 1.94–3.60 ± 2.25 (iron); 0.31 ± 0.42–0.47 ± 0.51 (manganese) and 0.27 ± 0.04–0.77 ± 0.69 (zinc), respectively. Cadmium and lead were not detected. The health risk indices (HRI) values were found to be in the order of Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Mn and were below the threshold value of 1. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to ascertain statistical significant differences of metal concentrations in the four locations. Metal pollution source control and periodic water quality monitoring is recommended.

Accumulation and health effects of metals in selected urban groundwater