FUW TRENDS IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(A Peer Review Journal)
e–ISSN: 2408–5162; p–ISSN: 2048–5170
keywords: Automechanic workshops, heavy metals, physicochemical property, pollution, water
Well water samples were collected from the vicinities of different auto mechanic workshops and a control site in Gwagwalada area council. The results of the physicochemical analysis which were determined by standard analytical techniques showed that pH values ranged from 5.2 – 6.8, Water temperature : 27.3 – 28.0oC, Alkalinity : 22.8 – 38.7 mg/L, Turbidity : 3.67 – 16.13 NTU, Electrical conductivity (EC): 228.7 – 357.8 µS/cm, Total dissolved solids (TDS): 69.58 – 260.7 mg/L, Total hardness (TH): 51.8 – 126.3 mg/L, Sulphate (SO4): 41.6 - 85.4 mg/L, Phosphate (PO4): 5.11 – 8.26 mg/L, Nitrate:11.33 – 29.45 mg/L Chloride: 51.8 – 66.8 mg/L, dissolved oxygen (DO): 5.1- 7.2 mg/L, Chemical oxygen demand (COD): 12.17 – 24.82 mg/L. The mean heavy metal concentration in the well water samples which was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed that the results ranged from Cd: BDL – 0.38 mg/L, Cu: 2.08 – 6.52 mg/L, Ni: 0.06 – 0.32 mg/L, Pb: BDL – 0.11 mg/L, Zn: 6.01 – 14.15 mg/L. The results indicated that the water sources were contaminated and unfit for human consumption as they exceeded WHO recommended limits. Statistical analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated significant correlation of the heavy metals amongst themselves and notable physicochemical parameters suggesting anthropogenic origins. Wells which are used for drinking should not be dug near auto mechanic workshops. Also there should be comprehensive waste management plan for the inhabitants to follow on daily waste disposal, education on the dangers of drinking polluted water and effective water treatment before drinking.
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