Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Groundwater within Misau Town in North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The magnitude of heavy metal contamination of groundwater in Misau, North-Eastern Nigeria, was assessed using
flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Findings revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the
groundwater within the study area ranged from 0.028 to 0.078 mg/L for Pb, 0.018 to 0.044 mg/L for Cd, 0.241 to
0.979 mg/L for Cu, 0.452 to 1.021 mg/L for Mn, 0.005 to 0.052 mg/L for Ni, and 0.430 to 1.036 mg/L for Zn.
Findings also showed that Pb, Cd and Mn concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization’s guidelines for
drinking-water quality in 25%, 40% and 5% of the groundwater samples examined respectively. In view of the
degree of groundwater contamination in Misau by Pb and Cd, the study suggests an urgent need for remediation
and regular monitoring of the groundwater in Misau.