scholarly journals Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils and Plant (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
William Azuka Iyama ◽  
Kingsley Okpara ◽  
Kuaanan Techato
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Vernonia Amygdalina ◽  
Lifetime Cancer Risk ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Cr Concentration

This study assessed the concentration of heavy metal, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Silver (Ag), in Vernonia amygdalina Delile and agricultural soils of three university farms located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The soils and plants were taken randomly to form composite samples and analyzed for heavy metals by the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The study stations were agricultural soils and Vernonia amygdalina Delile from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (I), River State University (R) and University of Port Harcourt (U). The soil samples recorded mean concentration ranges for Fe as 19.71 ± 1.77 (I)–27.24 ± 3.56 mg/kg (R) in soils and 12.95 ± 1.68 (R)–18.18 ± 2.02 mg/kg (U) for the bitter leaf samples. The mean range for Pb concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 4.35 ± 0.87–6.80 ± 0.86 mg/kg and 0.24 ± 0.64–2.19 ± 0.74 mg/kg, while Cd concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 0.46 ± 0.28–1.42 ± 0.40 mg/kg and 0.17 ± 0.22–0.42 ± 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. The respective mean ranges for Cr concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 5.91 ± 1.14–8.77 ± 0.88 mg/kg and 4.04 ± 0.64–5.92 ± 0.69 mg/kg, while Ni in soil and bitter leaf were 0.54 ± 3.38–10.26 ± 3.50 mg/kg and 0.042 ± 1.42–3.30 ± 0.88 mg/kg, while Ag was negligible. Heavy metal levels in soils and Vernonia amygdalina followed the order Fe > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd and Fe > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd, respectively, and were lower than WHO/FAO and EPA, except Cd, which was higher in soil and in Vernonia amygdalina. The ecological risk factor (ErF) was comparatively lower in soils than in the plant, while pollution load index (PLI) showed high heavy metal retention capacities in Vernonia amygdalina due to more anthropogenic influences. The metal transfer factor (TF) was highest in Fe, followed by Cr > Cd > Ni > Pb, while Pb had the highest chances of cancer risks from the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), especially in both soil and plant (mean ILCR, 2.07 × 10−2 and 2.45 × 10−3), while Cd had the least (mean ILCR, 9.64 × 10−5 and 3.36 × 10−5). Anthropogenic activities must be regulated and monitored by government relevant agencies to reduce heavy metal inputs into soils and avoid excessive accruals in food chain.

scholarly journals Investigation of heavy metal levels of clams (Egeria radiata) sold in open markets in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-114
Author(s):  
Benjamin Uchechukwu Nti ◽  
Okechukwu Kenneth Wokeh ◽  
Chidinma Georginia Okey-Wokeh
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Aquatic Ecosystem ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Oil And Gas Exploration ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Open Markets

Due to rapid urbanization, increase in coastal population, oil and gas exploration and other array of anthropogenic activities within the Niger Delta region of which Rivers and Bayelsa states are prominent amongst others, the region has been faced with coastal water pollution. There is need therefore, to evaluate the intensity of environmental contamination of the aquatic ecosystem in this region, thus this study was conducted to investigate the heavy metal levels of Clams (Egeria radiata) sold in open markets in Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and Yenagoa (Bayelsa State). Samples were collected from three markets in Port Harcourt (Mile 1, Rumuokoro and Mile 3), and three markets as well in Yenagoa (Opolo, Swali and Tombia) respectively. The samples were collected bi-weekly for 3 months and transported to the laboratory for analysis of heavy metals (Cr, Cd and Pb) levels using standard scientific method of analysis. The analysis was done in triplicates for each sample and data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using excel spreadsheet and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. The results revealed that samples collected from markets in Port Harcourt had higher concentrations of heavy metal than that of Yenagoa, though, the heavy metal levels were below World Health Organisation permissible limits, except for Cadmium (Cd) that ranged from 0.54±0.002 to 0.78±0.00 mg/kg in samples collected from Port Harcourt, against 0.5 mg/kg recommended by WHO. This could be attributed to oil and gas exploration, and discharges of industrial and domestic wastes bearing cadmium, and poses serious health risks. Therefore, routine monitoring and assessment of the aquatic ecosystem will be vital to forestall further contamination.

scholarly journals Pollution Evaluation Based on Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Levels of Miniokoro Stream, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
D. M. Abbey ◽  
M. E. Abbey ◽  
T. C. Ogunyemi ◽  
M. E. Abbey
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Physicochemical Parameters ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
The Government

Evaluation of physicochemical parameters and heavy metal levels in surface water of the Miniokoro stream, Port Harcourt, Nigeria were investigated to determine its potability and pollution status at various stations along the stream.  The physicochemical parameters analyzed in the water samples were: pH, Temperature, Salinity, Electrical conductivity, TDS, DO, BOD, Alkalinity, Chloride, NH4+, NO3-, PO43-, SO42- while heavy metals such as Nickel, lead, Iron, Zinc and Chromium were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results from the research showed an average concentration level of the physicochemical parameters such as pH (5.79-7.01), EC (136.43 - 960.67µS/cm), TDS (90.17 - 1517.67) and the spatial distribution of heavy metals: zinc (0.07 - 1.09mg/l), chromium (0.03 - 0.09mg/l), nickel (0.07 - 0.08mg/l) and iron (12.29 - 39.95mg/l). Water samples from various stations depicts the varying level of pollution along the stream when compared with national and international permissible limit. Thus, it suggests that the government should develop and implement an effective waste management plans due to environmental and other anthropogenic impacts on the stream.

scholarly journals Contamination Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soil, in the Liwa Area (UAE)

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Al-Taani ◽  
Yousef Nazzal ◽  
Fares M. Howari ◽  
Jibran Iqbal ◽  
Nadine Bou Orm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Contamination Assessment ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Metal Levels

The Liwa area is a primary food production area in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has intensively been used for agriculture. This study investigates the pollution levels with heavy metals in agricultural soils from the Liwa area. Thirty-two soil samples were analyzed for Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, and As. Results revealed that heavy metal levels varied in the ranges 220.02–311.21, 42.39–66.92, 43.43–71.55, 32.86–52.12, 10.29–21.70, 2.83–8.84, 0.46–0.69, 0.03–0.37 mg/kg for Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, and As, respectively. All samples presented low As concentrations with an average of 0.01 mg/kg. The variations in bulk metal contents in the soil samples were related to multiple sources, including agrochemicals, atmospheric dust containing heavy metals, and traffic-related metals. Enrichment factor analysis indicates that Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cr were highly enriched in soils, and they could originate from non-crustal sources. Based on the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the soil samples appeared uncontaminated with Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Co, As, Cu, uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Ni and moderately contaminated with Cd. The contamination factors suggest low contamination, except for Ni, which showed moderate contamination. The average pollution load index (PLI) revealed unpolluted to low pollution of all soil samples. The ecological risk assessment (PERI) showed that all heavy metals posed a low risk, except for Cd which exhibited a high ecological risk.

scholarly journals Health Risk Assessment of Liza parsia Fish Lipids: Heavy Metals and DDTs Contaminations

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-204
Author(s):  
Md. Abu Rayhan Khan ◽  
◽  
Muhammad Shamim Al Mamun ◽  
Mosummath Hosna Ara ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Organic Part ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Metal Levels

Background: Fish is a source of nutrition; however, toxic substances and heavy metals may enter human body due to consuming contaminated fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of heavy metals and DDTs in Liza parsia, a fish species, and assess the health risk of the contaminants in the fish samples. Methods: The extracted fish lipid was added with n-hexane and H2SO4 and was kept for long time. The upper organic part was collected for the analysis of DDTs by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector. The fish samples were homogenized by wet digestion method, and the heavy metal contents were analyzed, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risks of the fish samples were assessed based on target hazard quotient and target cancer risk. Results: The pesticide contents of DDT, DDD, DDE and DDTs in the fish samples were 0.0414, 0.000253, 0.015 and 0.0567ng/g, respectively. Also, the mean concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were 35.42±10.05, 318.75±242.45, 41.67±4.78 and 281.25±5.42 mg/kg, respectively. Of note, the Cd and Pb contents were below the detection limits. The concentrations of other heavy metals were above the reference limits, which can cause various disease processes. Conclusion: The contents of four heavy metals and DDTs in the samples were above the limits. The main sources of these substances are likely due to human anthropogenic activities. Fish and other edible aquatic animals should be monitored regularly and the heavy metal levels be determined and declared to the public.

scholarly journals Evaluation of heavy metals in agricultural soils from Katsina state Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliyu Ibrahim Yaradua ◽  
Adamu Jibrin Alhassan ◽  
Abdullahi Nasir ◽  
Kabir Ibrahim Matazu ◽  
Aminu Usman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Enrichment Factor ◽  
Agricultural Soil ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Pollution Load

This work contributes to the monitoring of Agricultural soil pollution in Katsina State, North western Nigeria by assessing the degree of heavy metal pollution in Agricultural soil samples. The study was conducted in the year 2017 within some catchment areas located within the 3 senatorial zones that constitute to make up the state (Katsina senatorial zone: Birchi, Dutsinma and Katsina; Daura senatorial zone: Daura, Ingawa and Zango; Funtua senatorial zone: Dabai, Funtua, Kafur, Malunfashi and Matazu).  Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. . Several indices were used to assess the metal contamination levels in the Agricultural soil samples, namely; Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Degree of Contamination (Cd) and Pollution Load Index (PLI). The result of this study has shown that generally among the heavy metals evaluated, the highest concentration was observed for Fe (range: 20.195-38.347 ppm), followed by Zn (range: 0.528-1.134 ppm), Pb (range: 0.256-0.627 ppm), Mn (range: 0.261-0.572 ppm) and Cr (range: 0.093-0.344 ppm). While Cd has the lowest concentration (range: 0.022-0.043 ppm). For all the site sampled the heavy metal Ni was below detection level (BDL). From the results of heavy metals I-geo values, according to Muller’s classification,  soil samples from Birchi, Daura, Dutsinma, Kafur and Zango were unpolluted (class 0) while soil samples from Dabai, Funtua, Ingawa, Katsina, Malunfashi and Matazu are moderately polluted (class 1). The result for the enrichment factor has shown that with the exception of the heavy metal Fe, which shows significant enrichment for all the sites sampled all the other heavy metals show deficiency to minimal enrichment. Also based on the contamination factors for all soil samples the heavy metal Fe has a CF values range of 1.2861-2.3240, indicating that the Agricultural soil samples are moderately contaminated with Fe. In contrast, the rest of the heavy metals exhibit low contamination in general. The value of PLI ranges from 0.2408 to 0.4935, indicating unpolluted to moderate pollution, with the sampling site for Katsina displaying the highest PLI value while the sampling site of Ingawa has the lowest PLI. The Eri values for all samples are all < 40, presenting low ecological risk.  The results suggest that the Agricultural soils samples from Katsina state has low contamination by the heavy metals evaluated.Key words: Agricultural soils, Heavy metals, Katsina state, Pollution load index, Contamination factor.

scholarly journals INDEX MODELS ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOIL SAMPLES OF SELECTED MOTOR PARKS WITHIN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-14
Author(s):  
A.I. Mohammed ◽  
A.A. Ahmed ◽  
J.U. Jibrin
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
World Health ◽  
Potential Threat

Heavy metal pollution is a global issue of concern which results from both biogenic and anthropogenic activities. Hence, an investigation of soil pollution is pertinent because of its potential threat to human health. The present study examined the concentrations, contamination and pollution load index cum ecological risk factor for some heavy metals in soil samples collected from Borno Express (BOEXP), Tashan Kano (TASKP) and Tashan Bama (TASBP) motor parks within Maiduguri, Borno state of Nigeria. The data obtained showed mean concentration range of 0.34 - 1.18 mg/kg, 0.04 - 0.15 mg/kg, 0.07 - 0.41 and 0.18 - 0.29 mg/kg for Zn, Cr, Cd and Cu respectively. Nonetheless, lead was not detected in any and all samples analyzed. The increasing order of concentrations in the soils followed: Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd, Cu > Cd > Zn > Cr and Cd > Zn > Cu > Cr for BOEXP, TASKP and TASBP motor parks respectively. Notwithstanding, the results showed lower concentrations to the allowable limits of World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, the contamination factor of cadmium in the TASKP fell within the (0.10 – 0.25) category, indicative of slight contamination whereas in TASBP, the calculated value 0.5125 was within (0.51 -0.75) category implying severe contamination. The other heavy metals analyzed showed contamination factor as well as pollution index values < 0.1 indicative of very slight contamination.Keywords: Borno Express, Tashan Kano, Tashan Bama, Motor Parks, Contamination Index.

scholarly journals Heavy metal levels in cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) foraging in some abattoirs in Lagos State metropolis

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elijah Abakpa Adegbe ◽  
Oluwaseyi Oluwabukola Babajide ◽  
Lois Riyo Maina ◽  
Shola Elijah Adeniji
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Accumulation ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Accumulation ◽  
Bubulcus Ibis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Lagos State ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Heavy metal accumulation in the ecosystem constitutes a potential toxic effect which is hazardous to human health. Increasing environmental pollution has necessitated the use of cattle egrets to evaluate the levels of heavy metal contamination, to establish their use in biomonitoring of heavy metals and to provide data for monitoring pollution in the environment. Results The present study assessed the utilization of Bubulcus ibis in monitoring pollution in five abattoirs, namely Agege, Bariga, Kara, Itire and Idi-Araba, all situated in Lagos State. The concentration of five (5) heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) was determined in the liver, muscle and feather of Bubulcus ibis using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The trend of metal accumulation was in the order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni for all the sampled tissues. The mean tissue concentrations of the metals were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the sites. The highest levels of metal concentration were reported in the liver in all the locations. Mean concentration of Cd in Kara (0.003 ± 0.00058) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those found at Agege (0.0013 ± 0.00058) and Idi-Araba (0.001 ± 0.001). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was also observed between the mean concentrations of Cu in Bariga (0.01 ± 0.001) and Idi-Araba (0.003 ± 0.001). Conclusion All the studied heavy metals were present in the liver, muscle and feathers of the cattle egrets. The contamination levels were ascertained from the study which indicated that cattle egrets are useful in biomonitoring studies and the generated data will serve as baseline data which could be compared with data from other locations for monitoring heavy metal pollution.

scholarly journals Arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils in South Savo province

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. MÄNTYLAHTI ◽  
P. LAAKSO
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Metal Concentrations ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Heavy Metal Concentrations ◽  
Target Values

Increasing concentrations of arsenic and heavy metals in agricultural soils are becoming a growing problem in industrialized countries. These harmful elements represent the basis of a range of problems in the food chain, and are a potential hazard for animal and human health. It is therefore important to gauge their absolute and relative concentrations in soils that are used for crop production. In this study the arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in 274 mineral soil samples and 38 organogenic soil samples taken from South Savo province in 2000 were determined using the aqua regia extraction technique. The soil samples were collected from 23 farms.The elements analyzed were arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead and zinc. The median concentrations in the mineral soils were:As 2.90 mg kg –1, Cd 0.084 mg kg –1, Cr 17.0 mg kg –1, Cu 13.0 mg kg –1, Hg 0.060 mg kg –1, Ni 5.4 mg kg –1, Pb 7.7 mg kg –1, Zn 36.5 mg kg –1. The corresponding values in the organogenic soils were:As 2.80 mg kg –1, Cd 0.265 mg kg –1, Cr 15.0 mg kg –1, Cu 29.0 mg kg –1, Hg 0.200 mg kg –1, Ni 5.9 mg kg –1, Pb 11.0 mg kg –1, Zn 25.5 mg kg –1. The results indicated that cadmium and mercury concentrations in the mineral and organogenic soils differed. Some of the arsenic, cadmium and mercury concentrations exceeded the normative values but did not exceed limit values. Most of the agricultural fields in South Savo province contained only small amounts of arsenic and heavy metals and could be classified as “Clean Soil”. A draft for the target values of arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in “Clean Soil” is presented.;

scholarly journals In vivo and in vitro studies on heavy metal tolerance in Sesbania grandiflora L

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-64
Author(s):  
Kadhim M. Ibrahim ◽  
Shaimaa A. Yousir
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Tolerance ◽  
Heavy Metal Tolerance ◽  
Heavy Metal Concentration ◽  
Callus Cultures ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Whole Plants

Several experiments were carried out to study heavy metal tolerance in tissue cultures or whole plants of S. grandiflora., Callus was induced and maintained on modified Murashige and Skoog, 1962 medium (MS) supplemented with (0.5)mg/l benzyl adenine and (2)mg/l 2,4-phenoxy acetic acid . Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Cr or Zn) were added to the culture medium at different concentrations as contamination agents. In order to asses the effect of these heavy metals on seed germination; seeds were sown in soil contaminated with different concentrations of heavy metals for 3 weeks. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used for analysis of samples taken from whole plants and callus cultures. Results showed that callus fresh weight decreased with increasing heavy metal concentration in cultural medium. Germination percentages and plant heights increased over time. However, a reduction occurred in these parameters with increasing heavy metal levels. Percentages of metals accumulated in calli were (0.001, 0.011, 0.012 and 0.013%) at (0.0, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1)mg/l Cd respectively; (0.001, 0.008, 0.016 and 0.006%) at (0.0, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5)mg/l Co respectively; (0.001, 0.020, 0.034 and 0.015%) at (0.0, 0.075, 0.2 and 0.5)mg/l Cu respectively; (0.001, 0.013, 0.012 and 0.010%) at (0.0, 0.25, 0.4 and 0.5)mg/l Cr respectively and (0.027, 0.051, 0.059 and 0.056%) at (0.0 , 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5)mg/l Zn respectively. Percentages of metals accumulated in whole plants were (0.08, 0.55, 1.11, 0.83 and 0.44%) at (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0)mg/Kg soil Cd respectively; (0.11, 0.22, 0.55, 0.47 and 0.44%) at (0.0, 15.0, 30.0 45.0 and 60.0)mg/Kg soil Co respectively; (0.01, 0.10, 0.57, 0.58 and 0.72%) at (0.0, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0 and 100.0)mg/Kg soil Cu respectively. (0.08, 0.80, 1.28, 1.31 and 0.88%) at (0.0, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0 and 100.0)mg/Kg soil Cr respectively and (0.06, 1.11, 1.20, 1.83 and 2.22%) at (0.0, 100.0, 200.0, 300.0 and 400.0)mg/Kg soil Zn respectively.

scholarly journals Heavy metal levels in drinking water sources of Chingola District, Zambia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Hamwiinga ◽  
Chisala D. Meki ◽  
Patricia Mubita ◽  
Hikabasa Halwiindi
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Ground Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Drinking Water Sources ◽  
Metal Levels

Abstract Background: One of the factors impeding access to safe water is water pollution. Of particular concern is heavy metal contamination of water bodies. This study was aimed at determining the levels of heavy metals in drinking water sources of Chingola District of Zambia. Methods: A cross sectional study was employed. A total of 60 water samples were collected. Thirsty (30) samples were collected in the dry season in the month of October 2016 and another 30 in the wet season in the months of February and March, 2017. For each season 10 water samples were collected from each of the three water sources. i.e. Tap water, Urban ground water sources and Rural ground water sources. Heavy metal analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Results: This study revealed that the concentrations of Iron, Manganese, Lead, Nickel and Arsenic were beyond maximum permissible levels in various water sources. Combined averages for both dry and wet seasons were as follows: Iron: 2.3, Copper: 0.63, Cobalt: 0.02, Manganese: 0.36, Lead: 0.04, Zinc:3.2, Nickel: 0.03, Arsenic: 0.05. Chromium and Cadmium were below detection limit in all water samples. The median concentrations of iron, arsenic, copper, manganese in drinking water from the Tap, rural and urban ground water sources were different, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The median concentrations of arsenic, nickel, manganese and cobalt were different between dry and wet season, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Sources of heavy metals in water seems to be both natural and from human activities. The concentration of heavy metals in different water sources in this study was found to be above the recommended levels. This calls for improvement in water monitoring to protect the health of the public. Therefore, there is need for continuous monitoring of heavy metals in drinking water sources by regulatory authorities.

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