EVALUATING HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN GROUND WATER IN AN OPEN DUMPSITE

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the concentration of heavy metals in water samples obtained from selected boreholes around open dumpsites in Oluku, Ovia North-East, Edo State. The temperature (T), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in situ using thermometer, pH meter, and conductivity meter, respectively. Water samples were taken to the laboratory, where their heavy metal content was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (VGP210 Bulk Scientific). The mean result of pH ranges from 5.04 to 5.49, with the highest values recorded in GW 3, which was below the WHO (2007) permissible limit. Thus, indicating that the water was acidic. The concentration variability of heavy metals was as follows: Cu>Mg>Cr>Fe>Mn. Findings from heavy metals analysis revealed that although the concentration of Mg, Cr, Fe, and Mn were within permissible range, the copper (Cu) content in most of the borehole water exceeded the WHO (2007) permissible limit. It can therefore be inferred that groundwater in the study area is facing existential threats from infiltrating contaminants.