TRACE METALS ANALYSIS (ZN, CR, N, CU) IN BOREHOLE WATER FROM GENERAL HOSPITAL, CALABAR, NIGERIA

Abstract

Heavy metals refer to any metallic chemical element that has relatively high density and toxic at even low concentration values. Examples include Thallium, Lead, Chromium, Aluminum, Mercury, Copper etc. They are usually called trace elements with a worldwide public issue. They are claimed to have caused fatality in about more than 1.8million lives especially in infants. There are evidences that these metals are usually present in most drinking sources of water like boreholes, and food chain contamination. This research work is carried out to investigate the presence and concentration of some of these metals in borehole water used in the General Hospital in Calabar Metropolis of Cross River State. Selected heavy metals for determination were Chromium, Aluminum, Zinc and Copper. The study determined whether the Borehole water of General Hospital, Calabar consist of Chromium (Al), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) and if their concentrated level exceeds the recommended standard by World Health Organization (WHO). Four hypotheses were stated for the study. The research used an experimental design. Samples were systematically and carefully collected; proper laboratory analysis were done to ascertain the objective of the study. Water samples were collected from 5 overhead tanks through 5 taps and transported to the Laboratory for analysis. The results obtained are as shown below. Minimum range for chromium was 0.01mg/L, maximum range was 0.03 mg/L, variation was 0.01mg/L – 0.03mg/L, Mean was 0.01mg/L and the WHO stipulated standard for Chromium in water is 0.05mg/L. For Aluminum, minimum range is 0.01mg/L and maximum range is 0.13mg/L. The variation was 0.01mg/L – 0.13mg/L. Mean was 0.09mg/L. For Zinc, minimum range was 0.15mg/L, maximum range 0.17mg/L, the Mean was 0.16mg/L and WHO stipulated standard for Zinc in water meant for human consumption is 3.0mg/L. Also, for copper, minimum range was 0.04mg/L and maximum range was 0.010mg/L. The variation is from 0.04 – 0.10mg/L. The Mean was 0.07mg/L and WHO standard is 2.0mg/L. The findings showed that the Borehole water used in General Hospital, Calabar is not highly dosed with Chromium, Aluminum, Zinc and Copper as compared with WHO recommended standard. It was recommended that adequate and proper measures be adapted to maintain the water standard and to avoid future contamination of the Hospital source of water with heavy metals to avoid deleterious effect on health of users