Trace Metals Concentration Determination in Domestic Water from Keana Mine Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water samples from Keana mine area of Nasarawa Stat e were analysed for some trace metals concentration , using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emissi on Spectrometry technique (ICP OES). The results o f the analysis were compared with the standards of the Wo rld Health Organisation (WHO) and the European (EU) for domestic water.A total of 12 water samples were dra wn from sources across the study area, comprising o f 4 well samples, 4 stream samples, and 4 borehole samples. Analyses were carried out for a total of seven (7) elements which included; As, Cd, Cr, Sr, Pb, Th and Zn. Arse nic (As) was detected in all the samples at a mean concentration of ( ) L mg / 052.0 164.0 ± which is very high when compared with the recommend ed maximum permissible value of 0.010 mg/L by the envi ronmental Protection Agency. The mean concentration of strontium (Sr) in the sample was ( ) L mg / 307.0 798.0 ± . The maximum permissible concentration for this element varie from 0.8 – 5.0 mg/L, therefore the co ncentration detected may just be acceptable. These observations suggest that water from the study area should be closely monitored to reduce its harmful effects on the environment and health of the inhabitants.