Abstract:
An investigation of select heavy metals in portable borehole water near a waste dump
site(04056 38.1 N and 00601938.9E)in Green-villa Road, Biogbolo, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
was conducted in order to determine the levels of these metals in water and the possible
implication of metal intrusion from this dump sites. Six (6) heavy metals; Copper (Cu), Lead
(Pb), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), and Chromium (Cr) were investigated in four (4)
borehole spots located 25m, 50m, 100m and 200m near the dump site. Water samples were
collected in triplicates from the four (4) boreholes located at A(04056 36.8 N and
006019 39.9 E); B (04056 36.6 N and 006019 37.3 E); C (04056 35.1 N and
006019 35.3 E) and D (04056 34.8 N and 00601936.9 E) all in Biogbolo, Yenagoa, with the
aid of 50ml plastic bottles with stoppers. Samples were then put into a black container and
transported to the laboratory of the Department of Chemical Sciences, Niger Delta University
Amasoma. Analyses for heavy metals was done using model 210VGP of the Basic Scientific
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer series with Air Acetylene gas mixture as Oxidant. Data
were analysed for mean, standard deviation and Analyses of Variance (ANOVA) at 95%
confidence limit with the aid of SPSS® software. Result from the investigation revealed higher
than permissible levels of Fe, Pb and Ni in all sampling points. While Cu, Cd and Cr exhibited
contents in water that are below permissible limits. There were No significant differences
(P=0.05) between borehole water obtained from sampling stations. Based on the findings from
this research, it can be concluded that borehole water in Biogbolo, yenagoa may pose a serious
health problem if used for drinking. It is therefore recommended that boreholes in Yenagoa
should be given adequate treatment before dispensing to the public and that Government should
prohibit open dumpingin streets and residential areas as it portends danger |
